OMAHA, Neb. — Antonio Guerrero’s “I Will Die the Way I’ve Lived” exhibit opened at Malcolm X Memorial Foundation here May 17 as part of the annual celebration of Malcolm X’s birthday. The center is located in the North Omaha neighborhood where Malcolm was born.

“People saw his art and for the first time became aware of the Cuban Five’s cause and fight for justice. They were introduced to what these men face,” said Mari Loliz Perez, 28, an elementary school teacher’s aide, who said she volunteered to help staff the exhibit “because I know they are innocent and should be free.”

Some 250 people came to the Malcolm X celebration, which included music and performances by children’s groups. About 50 viewed Guerrero’s prison paintings.

“I find Antonio’s paintings very simple and interesting because they show the reality of prison to anyone who sees them,” said Perez, who first learned about the fight to free the Cuban Five when supporters of the Militant knocked on her door. “I met people at the exhibit who knew prison from their own experience and who really liked the paintings. They made an impression on them that will be strong and lasting. It is like sowing a seed that will grow.”