Dear brothers and sisters in solidarity! Comrades in struggle!
Today we gather in this iconic Malcolm X Center in New York, a space that breathes history, resistance and hope. A place that, like our beloved Cuba, has witnessed struggles, sacrifices and victories. It is an honor to be here, surrounded by so many faces that have dedicated their lives to the noblest cause: solidarity among peoples.
Here, where words resounded to challenge racism and colonialism, we renew our commitment to the ideals of *Fidel Castro* and “Malcolm X**: two revolutionaries who, from different trenches, instilled in humanity the indestructible seed of rebellion.
First of all, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to each one of you, to the members of the Cuba solidarity movement, mainly here in the United States. You have been beacons of light in the darkest moments, voices raised against injustice and arms stretched out to build bridges of friendship. Your unwavering support has been and continues to be a fundamental pillar in our struggle for justice and dignity, Thank you, a thousand times thank you!
Today we begin this Conference for the Normalization of U.S.-Cuba Relations with a spirit of hope, but also with the strength that history gives us. This year we celebrate the *65th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)*, an institution whose history is intertwined with the solidarity activism of movements such as the one you represent. ICAP was born as a bridge between Cuba and the world, its history is connected to that of thousands of activists in the U.S. and the world who, in the face of lies and slander, responded with truth and embrace. Today, more than ever, it remains a symbol of resistance and friendship among peoples.
As we remember these 65 years, we cannot fail to remember the figures of two giants whose struggles and legacies inspire us: *Fidel Castro and Malcolm X*. Both, from different trenches but with the same purpose, dedicated their lives to the struggle for social justice, equality and human dignity. Fidel, with his revolutionary vision and unwavering faith in the power of the people, taught us that no challenge is too great when fighting for a just ideal. Malcolm X, with his strong voice and commitment to the liberation of the oppressed, reminded us that the struggle for human rights knows no borders or colors.
Both leaders legacy us a clear message: solidarity is not only an act of generosity, but a moral duty in the struggle against oppression. And it is precisely that solidarity that summons us here today. Because, although we have made progress, the road to the normalization of relations between our countries is still full of obstacles. The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba continues to be a cruel reality that affects our people on a daily basis. It is an unjust, immoral and anachronistic policy that not only limits our development, but also attempts to bend the will of a people that has chosen to be free.
However, allow me to tell you with all the strength of my conviction: Cuba will not surrender! Because we are a people who have learned to turn challenges into opportunities, adversities into strengths and dreams into realities.
And we have achieved this, to a great extent, thanks to the support of friends like you, who from all parts of the world have raised their voices to say: “ End the blockade!
To you, friends of U.S. solidarity, we say “Thank you! Thank you for not remaining silent in the face of the longest and cruelest blockade in history, a collective punishment that suffocates our people, but does not break their spirit. Thank you for denouncing the 243 measures that intensify this economic war, for mobilizing against the inclusion of Cuba in absurd lists, and for demanding that we be treated not as enemies, but as a sovereign nation.
Dear friends, this is a crucial moment. The struggle for the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba is not only a political battle; it is a battle for humanity, for the right of peoples to decide their destiny without interference or coercion. It is a battle to demonstrate that dialogue, respect and cooperation are more powerful than hatred and division.
Therefore, today I call upon you: let us remain united in this struggle. Let us continue to work together to tear down the walls that separate us and build bridges that bring us closer. Let us continue to be voices of reason amidst the noise, beacons of hope amidst the darkness. Because solidarity is not just an act of resistance; it is an act of love, of faith in humanity and in the possibility of a better world.
Malcolm X, and Fidel, left us a mandate: “unity in diversity, relentless struggle against oppression**.
Today, when hate speeches and modern fascism re-emerge, their example is gluttonous. Cuba, despite the blockade, has not hesitated to send doctors to the most forgotten corners of the planet. Isn't that socialism in action? Solidarity versus selfishness, humanism versus profit.
The road is long, but didn't we learn from Malcolm and Fidel that hope is a weapon? They look at us today and smile, because they know that their seed germinates in this multicolored resistance.
Long live the peoples in solidarity! Long live Fidel and Malcolm X!
Long live Fidel and Malcolm X!
**Fatherland or Death! We shall overcome!