Speaking at the inauguration of the event, which is taking place at Havana’s Convention Center, the minister expressed gratitude for the participation of world-renowned figures, who arrive at a difficult time for us and despite the big media campaign directed against the nation and the Cuban Revolution.
In his opinion, “this conference is permeated by José Martí’s spirit and the ideas and work of Fidel Castro, the main promoter of anti-racist politics in our country and the elimination of structural and institutional racism in Cuba.”
The event, convened by the National Program against Racism and Racial Discrimination, aims to share experiences and knowledge on one of the most expensive challenges to the human race: eliminating all forms of discrimination and achieving equality, equity and social justice, as stated in the call for the event, Alonso said.
He added that participants in the forum are reflecting on the preservation of historic memory, the work of the media, education in the value of anti-racism and the confrontation with racialized behaviors and criteria in the educational teaching process, among many other topics.
As Cubans in full possession of their conquered rights, women, blacks and mulattoes from every corner of the country became doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists, athletes, artists and professionals in all branches thanks to their talent and effort and to the Revolution’s work for social justice, he emphasized.
The minister pointed out that “new and old challenges must be faced; the complexity of the problems confirms the need for a scientific approach; the battle does not stop.”
Nearly at the end of his speech, Alonso quoted Fidel Castro when he said, “The rich world tries to forget that the causes of underdevelopment and poverty were slavery, colonialism, brutal exploitation and plundering to which our countries were subjected for centuries.”
US actor and activist for the rights of African-Americans Danny Glover also took part in the event, among other important figures who shared the presidency with the Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman and the president of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), Marta Bonet.
On Tuesday, sessions will resume at Havana’s Convention Center, and then move to other venues such as schools, squares and cultural institutions.
Some 240 delegates from 18 countries are participating in the International Conference Cuba 2024. Decade of Afro-Descendants.
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