The Militant(logo) 
    Vol.61/No.34           October 6, 1997 
 
 
Events Will Mark 30th Anniversary Of Death Of Ernesto Che Guevara  
NEW YORK - October marks the 30th year since the fall in combat of the revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Guevara. Across the United States and around the world, workers and youth will participate in actions opposing the U.S. economic war on Cuba and in forums and teach-ins discussing Guevara's example for fighters today. Many of the events will also protest the recent terrorist bombings in Havana.

Guevara, born in Argentina, was a central leader of the revolutionary war that toppled the U.S. backed Batista dictatorship in Cuba. After the triumph of the revolution in 1959, he carried major responsibilities in the new government, including as minister of industry and representing the revolutionary government on trips to dozens of countries. In 1965 Guevara left Cuba to lead a mission of internationalist Cuban fighters aiding the national liberation struggle in the Congo. He later led a guerrilla campaign in Bolivia that aimed to help advance the revolutionary struggles that were building throughout Latin America. He was injured in combat and taken prisoner on Oct. 8, 1967, and executed the next day by the army on orders by the Bolivian government following consultation with Washington. In Los Angeles, the Latin American Center at the University of California is hosting a symposium on the legacy of Che Guevara, October 24 - 25.

A broad array of political groups have formed the Coalition in Solidarity with Cuba in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The coalition is organizing a march, film showing, and teach-in under the demands: End the U.S. embargo!, Repeal Helms-Burton!, and Lift the U.S. travel ban! Speakers at the teach-in include Rafael Noriega, Third Secretary of the Cuban Interests Section; Betsey Stone, editor of Women and the Cuban Revolution; and April Knutsen, a professor at the University of Minnesota and co-chair of Women Against Military Madness.

Gaetan Whiston, a steelworker and young socialist, said, "This is the first time in many years that a broad solidarity event of this type is taking place. And, it's directly linked to people who want to explain and learn more about Che Guevara and the Cuban revolution."

In Chicago, the October 8 Coalition has called a "Unity March and Rally to End the Embargo against Cuba" for October 8. The group includes a couple dozen political activists who also participated in the 14th World Festival of Youth and Students. Youth from around the world came out of the festival pledging to make October 8 an international day of solidarity with Cuba. The coalition sent out a mailing announcing the protest to 1,800 people and are getting to college campuses to meet with student organizations.

Sarah Wood, a 21-year-old student at DePaul University and activist in the coalition, explained why the demonstration is taking place on the day of Che Guevara's death. "Che was an internationalist. He defended the right to self-determination of all nations and people. The embargo is a case of the U.S. denying the self-determination of Cuba. They have the right to free trade like any other country."

Ricky Gamboa, a 16-year-old high school student, said he's building the protest because "Cuba has set the standard for equality and instead of being celebrated, it is being condemned."

A "Che Guevara commemoration conference" is taking place at the University of Houston on October 4-5. The conference includes a range of workshops from the ideas of Che Guevara to the struggle for Irish unity. Scheduled speakers include Angela Davis, presidential chair in Feminist and African American Studies at the University of California; Fernando Pe'rez Maza, First Secretary of the Cuban Interest Section; Steve Clark, managing editor of New International; and Blanka Kalzakorta of Senideak, a Basque political prisoner support group. A number of youth and student organizations, including the Irish Unity Committee, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA), National Organization for Women and the Young Socialists are sponsoring the event.

The Seattle-Cuba Friendshipment Committee is hosting a report-back event from the world youth festival at a community center, October 4. On October 8 the committee is carrying out educational tabling and picketing at midday and a picket line and rally in the evening in front of the Federal Building.

In addition to these events, in cities around the world, Militant Labor Forums will discuss the ideas of Che Guevara and the Cuban revolution.

Beginning in our next issue, the Militant will feature first-hand coverage from Cuba. Mary-Alice Waters, editor of New International, and Martín Koppel, editor of Perspectiva Mundial, will be reporting on events around the anniversary of the death of Che Guevara and the congress of the Communist Party of Cuba.  
 
 
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