In the year 1930 a friendship was born between the National Poet of Cuba Nicolás Guillén (1902-1989) and the American writer Langston Hughes (1902-1967) that has survived to this day. This excellent relationship materialized this July 11 with the inauguration of a commemorative plaque at the headquarters of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac).
The opening ceremony was attended by Alpidio Alonso, Minister of Culture of Cuba; Luis Morlote, president of Uneac, and a delegation from the United States led by the artist and social activist of Iraqi-American origin Andy Shallal. The plaque was unveiled in Guillén's former office, where they also honored the 120th anniversary of the Cuban poet's birth.
The Entrevoces choir, directed by the teacher Digna Guerra, enlivened the ceremony. During the ceremony, the writer and journalist Pedro de la Hoz, Vice President of Uneac, commented that between Guillén and Langston there was an almost immediate fraternity sustained from external signs, such as skin color, to the common causes that both had to defend. Because from the skin to the social condition there is a transit that defined, in them both and in many others, the need to fight for equality and justice, and to claim the legacy of the African peoples to our cultures.
Guillén, founder of Uneac, was the author of outstanding collections of poems, including Motivos de son (1930), Sóngoro cosongo (1931), West Indies, Ltd. (1934) and Tengo (1964), among others. Throughout his work he introduced the theme of raciality in poetry in the Spanish language, he is even considered the maximum representative of the so-called "black poetry" of Central America. From his mestizo condition he expressed with a peculiar rhythmic sense the theme of miscegenation, in a social and political context that manifested the harsh oppression and servitude of the people. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages and is studied at universities in various countries.
At Uneac, the 120th anniversary of the birth of the National Poet of Cuba was honored.
Iraqi-American activist Andy Shallal expressed his gratitude for being in Cuba and his intention to strengthen the bonds of friendship between peoples regardless of political differences. Likewise, he highlighted that in Langston's writing there is a rhythm similar to that of Nicolás Guillén on African roots.
Shallal, the founder of Busboys and Poets, a Langston Hughes-inspired restaurant, cafe and hangout in the Washington, D.C. metro area, has also resonated on the domestic scene for his outspoken opposition to the invasion of Iraq. The activist has visited Cuba for the third time and includes various cultural activities on his agenda, such as a visit to the National School of Arts, the Higher Institute of Art and the San Severino Museum.
Shallal expressed his gratitude for being in Cuba and his intention to strengthen the bonds of friendship between both peoples, regardless of political differences.
The US delegation will participate today in a meeting with intellectuals at Casa de las Américas, where the panel “Cuba and its blackness. Racism and anti-racism, influences in social and cultural life”. The occasion will also promote the launch of the book Madrigal for a black prince, with poems dedicated to Georges Floyd, by the Cuban poet Nancy Morejón, winner of the 2001 National Literature Prize.