In the context of Black History Month in the United States, the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. celebrated the historical and cultural ties of Afro-Americans with the Cuban people.
During the event, those present commented on the different organizations of this sector that have supported Cuba in the struggle for the elimination of the blockade and the visits they have made to the Caribbean nation. They also highlighted the graduation of dozens of American students, mainly Afro-descendants of low income who have studied Medical Sciences on the island.
During her speech, the head of the Cuban Mission in Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, recalled the warm welcome offered in the Harlem neighborhood in 1960 to the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, during his visit to the headquarters of the United Nations (UN).
For their part, those present expressed their gratitude for the invitation and commented that they will continue to promote the historical and cultural ties and the African roots of Cuba and the United States.
Participants enjoyed a photographic exhibition by students from American University and the University of the District of Columbia, under the direction of Professor Iwan Bagus, inspired by the work of Afro-descendant poets Langston Hughes and Nicolás Guillén.
The celebration was also accompanied by the musical performance of Ayanna Gregory who delighted with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and by a dance to the rhythm of Cuban son by the couple of casineros, Adrían Valdivia and Naomi Washington.
The versatile jazz vocalist, Chuck Holden, delighted with the classic Rhythm & Blues "Route 66", while the dance company Farafina Kan closed the night inviting everyone to move to the sound of the catchiest African rhythms.
The cultural evening corroborated, once again, the roots that unite everyone from the motherland: Africa.