Chicago brigadistas report back from Cuba

Militant/Betsy Farley

CHICAGO — Some 30 people gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church here Oct. 27 to hear reports from returning participants in the recent “In the Footsteps of Che” brigade to Cuba. The meeting was sponsored by the Chicago Cuba Coalition. “The Cuban people could repair and rebuild immediately after devastating Hurricane Irma, and still offer help to others in need,” said Zakiyyah Muhammad, speaking, a home health care worker and member of the Service Employees International Union.

Laura Anderson, a railroad worker who got a leave from work to go on the brigade, spoke about the example the Cuban Revolution is for workers and youth everywhere. “We learned what a difference a revolution and a government in the hands of working people makes,” Anderson said. “Che Guevara’s ideas are alive today, that through voluntary work like the massive organizing effort before, during and after the hurricane, workers’ imagination and capacities are realized.”

Additional speakers included Bob Brown, of the All African Peoples Revolutionary Party; Dan Fein, of the Socialist Workers Party; and brigade participants Harvey McArthur and Julie Wolenski.

Meeting participants were urged to join the Nov. 1 protest here demanding an end to Washington’s economic war against Cuba, U.S. out of Guantánamo, and an end to all “regime change” programs against the Cuban Revolution. Similar actions are planned around the country.

— BETSY FARLEY