Henry Wallace Brigade Blog

Article..

2007-02-18T19:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to an article about Naomi Wallace on the Guardian's website.

End the Blockade of Cuba! Lift the Travel Ban!!!

2007-01-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Henry Wallace always urged people to see Cuba for themselves

La Guinera

2007-01-25T19:32:00.000-05:00

Anita and Howard at Fifi's house
Photo by Sonja de Vries

Making a statement

2007-01-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

Sonja, Jake, Shirley, and Beth W

Photo by Carol Kraemer

Stephon

2007-01-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carol Kraemer

Muraleando

2007-01-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carol Kraemer

To laugh and to sing

2007-01-24T18:31:00.000-05:00

Muraleando

Photo by Carol Kraemer

Muraleando

2007-01-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carol Kraemer

On the Malecon

2007-01-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

Pam, Carla, and Carol

Photo by Carol Kraemer

Havana

2007-01-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carol Kraemer

JoJo White Community Center

2007-01-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

In La Guinera.

Photo by Carol Kraemer

In La Guinera

2007-01-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

Meme and Shameka at the JoJo White Community Center

Photo by Carol Kraemer

Callejon de Hamel

2007-01-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carol Kraemer

¡Hasta la victoria siempre!

2007-01-24T16:14:00.000-05:00

Most of the brigadistas at Jose Marti International Airport, Havana.

At the Museum of the Revolution

2007-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

Devlin

Happy New Year!

2007-01-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Midnight at ICAP, Havana.

Photo by Sonja de Vries

Magical child

2007-01-24T13:46:00.000-05:00

Devlin, Sonja, and Jake, New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

2007-01-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

Penny

Photo by Sonja de Vries

New Year's Eve

2007-01-24T12:50:00.000-05:00

Jake

At the National Hotel

2007-01-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Devlin, Sonja, and Beth, New Year's Day 2007

At the National Hotel

2007-01-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

Carla, Sonja, and Naomi with a photo of Henry,

enjoying coffee at the National Hotel

Carol

2007-01-24T12:33:00.000-05:00

Relaxing at the rumba

2007-01-24T12:24:00.001-05:00

Bob Cunningham and Jerry Tucker

Callejon de Hamel

2007-01-24T12:11:00.000-05:00

One neighborhood of Havana -- Hamel's Alley -- showcases the way Cubans use art to make life more beautiful. In this case, old bathtubs have been cut down, painted brightly, and mounted on concrete and stone bases to create a serpentine series of benches.

Everybody dance!

2007-01-24T12:09:00.000-05:00

Photo by Sonja de Vries

"Comandante Che Guevara"

2007-01-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

Fifi in the red top with (l-r) our translator Sara, and Fifi's daughters Mabel and Anita, sang "Comandante Che Guevara" accompanied by by the Brigade's Carol Kraemer on guitar and filmed by Sonja. This was at the joJo White Community Center in La Guinera.

A fact

2007-01-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

"With solidarity and love, a better world is possible."

Sign at the JoJo White Community Center in La Guinera.

Lettuce... lots and lots of lettuce...

2007-01-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

Photo by Devlin de Vries.

We visited an organiponico (collectively owned farm) and saw how Cubans use organic methods to grow the produce that provide so much of the nutrition for the nation. In this part of the farm, there was lots and lots of lettuce... and a dog conducting a quality assurance check.

Let's talk about sex...

2007-01-24T11:18:00.000-05:00

Brigadistas met with Mariel Castro (center, 2nd row), director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX). CENESEX leads the way in developing sex-positive education and support programs for adults and children, addressing a broad spectrum of issues ranging from domestic and sexualized violence to family planning to lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender rights to sex education that includes self-esteem, healthy relationships, and prevention.

Photo by Devlin de Vries

Children of the Revolution

2007-01-24T11:14:00.000-05:00

Devlin with Che Guevara's children Aleida and Camilo

"Defiant activists"

2007-01-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

V-E-R-Y early in the morning at the

Louisville Airport, December 26th

Photo by Sonja de Vries

US medical students in Cuba

2007-01-23T22:03:00.001-05:00

US medical students in Cuba, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Hip Hop Artists of Murallando

2007-01-23T22:02:00.007-05:00

Hip Hop Artists of Murallando, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Puppet Theater

2007-01-23T22:02:00.005-05:00

Puppet Theater, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Puppet Theater in Murallando

2007-01-23T22:02:00.003-05:00

Puppet Theater in Murallando, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Fifi of La Guinera

2007-01-23T22:02:00.001-05:00

Fifi of La Guinera, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Cuban leadership

2007-01-23T22:01:00.001-05:00

Cuban leadership, originally uploaded by reelrevolutions.

Cancun

2007-01-20T17:30:00.003-05:00

Carla, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Waiting for cab.

Heldover in Houston

2007-01-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

Heldover in Houston, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Cuban Dancers

2007-01-20T17:29:00.003-05:00

Cuban Dancers, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

New Years

Howard

2007-01-20T17:29:00.001-05:00

Howard, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Havana at Night

2007-01-20T17:28:00.003-05:00

IMG_1286, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

High Technology

2007-01-20T17:28:00.001-05:00

IMG_1273, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Cuban youth take interest in Blackberry phone.

Football

2007-01-20T17:27:00.001-05:00

IMG_1132, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Hotel Nationale

2007-01-20T17:25:00.001-05:00

IMG_1096, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Chattin' w/the Locals...

2007-01-20T17:24:00.001-05:00

IMG_0980, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Beth

2007-01-20T17:21:00.001-05:00

IMG_0877, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Happy New Years in Havana.

Cuban Youth

2007-01-20T17:20:00.001-05:00

IMG_0826, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Cuban youth climb a construction wall.

Carla speaks Spanish

2007-01-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

IMG_0814, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Dancin' at the community center...

2007-01-20T17:18:00.001-05:00

IMG_0741, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Shantytown

2007-01-20T17:17:00.001-05:00

IMG_0658, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Meat Vendors

2007-01-20T17:16:00.001-05:00

IMG_0637, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Street Photography

2007-01-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

IMG_0599 (1), originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Unidentified woman stands in doorway of community center.

2007-01-20T17:11:00.001-05:00

IMG_0543, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Resist

2007-01-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

IMG_0522, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

2007-01-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

IMG_0516, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Howard on Kwanzaa

2007-01-20T17:09:00.003-05:00

IMG_0513, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Carla on Kwanzaa

2007-01-20T17:09:00.001-05:00

IMG_0509, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

2007-01-20T17:07:00.001-05:00

IMG_0350, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Frienship House

2007-01-20T17:06:00.001-05:00

IMG_0340, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Chillin' at the Friendship House.

Street Photography

2007-01-20T17:05:00.003-05:00

IMG_0247, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Unidentified woman.

Karl

2007-01-20T17:05:00.001-05:00

IMG_0269, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Karl from CNN.

CNN

2007-01-20T17:04:00.001-05:00

IMG_0266, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

CNN followed us on two consecutive days.

Reuters

2007-01-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

IMG_0157, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Israel Esteban of Reuters interviews Stephan.

Dead Dog in Havana

2007-01-20T16:58:00.001-05:00

Dead Dog in Havana, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

After the press conference...

2007-01-20T16:33:00.001-05:00

IMG_0184, originally uploaded by binjiminyin.

Photo test post...

Thoughts on the trip...

2007-01-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

I love to travel and so it’s no surprise that when I was given the opportunity to join the Henry Wallace Brigade, a trip that mixed both social justice and travel, I did not hesitate to participate!

Although I never personally knew Henry, I definitely knew of him. I feel that I have become closer to him on this trip. It just seems right that my relationship with him began in Cuba, a country he loved so much.

My family moved to the United States from Argentina when I was four years old. They came here for the same reasons that many come, a better opportunity for themselves and for their children. That being said, not everything that our government does is right. And that’s why I’m proud to say that I am a part of the Henry Wallace Brigade. We took (and are still taking) a stand against the embargo and travel restrictions to Cuba.

This trip to Cuba was an amazing learning experience. Because of the embargo, Cubans have been forced to become creative in problem solving and they have stepped up to the challenge. They also appreciate and undestand community in a way that I have only read about in scholarly articles and national conferences.

My favorite example to share that highlights this so simply occured during our visit to a community center. After a discussion on the history of the center, a tour, and presentations by some youth, we gathered for lunch. We were a large group - around 26 - plus the staff and youth from the center, and it wasn't long before they ran out of plates before we had all be served. Not a problem. Someone from the center just went down the block, knocking on doors and asking for plates. She returned with a stack of 15-20 plates, and we were all able to eat. Can you first image one of your neighbors knocking on your door and saying, "I'm having a party and ran out of plates. Can I borrow some?" And second, if that ever happened, how would you reply? We need this sense of community in our communities.

I cannot wait for the travel ban to be lifted. This will allow even more Americans to travel to Cuba and have the opportunity to experience the Cuba that I did.

Two Current Related News Articles...

2007-01-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

"Peace activists hope new U.S. congressional leadership will ease sanctions against Cuba"
by the Associated Press via the International Herald Tribune

"Activists Hope Cuba Sanctions Are Eased"
by Anita Snow of ABC News International

Report Back Dates

2007-01-08T18:06:00.000-05:00

We have 3 report backs currently scheduled:

1/11 6:30-8pm at the Alternative
1/22 6-8pm at the Braden Center (Third Monday dialogue)
1/28 6-8pm Central Pres

We hope to have several people give their general impressions of the trip
as well as cover topics like:
the Free the Cuban Five Campaign,
Sex Ed and HIV/AIDS programs,
basic ideals of the revolution (housing, education, health care),
Microbrigades and Mural/Theatre/Hip Hop projects,
et cetera.

We plan to allow for about a 1/2 hour of discussion and questions.

Remember Rosa Parks

2007-01-05T06:34:00.001-05:00

How are those remembered who broke the law
to help American slaves escape to freedom?

How are those remembered who opposed Civil Rights
or Women's Suffrage?
Are they on the wrong side of history?

Are certain laws inherently unjust and tyrannical?

Is it my duty as a responsible US citizen to disobey any laws
that are unjust and tyrannical?

Whose interests does the US travel ban on Cuba serve?
Does it serve the many or the few?
Justice or tyranny?

How will those who support the US travel ban on Cuba
be remembered in 20 years?

Will they be remembered as being on the wrong side of history
like those who opposed Civil Rights or Women's Suffrage?

How will those who support the Iraq War be remembered in 20 years?

Does the US Constitution protect my rights
to freely travel wherever I choose?

Isn't the Cold War over?

Would the world be a better place if
people started asking each other more questions
instead of telling each other what to think or believe?

Can you argue with a question?

Technical Difficulties...

2006-12-31T18:40:00.000-05:00

Due to the high cost and slow speed of the internet here in Havana,
we will not be able post any new content on this blog until our return.

Thanks to everyone who has expressed their interests or support in our journey!

Happy new year!

The Henry Wallace Brigade

Who are we

2006-12-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

In their own words.....

Devlin, 8 year old wizard and lover of wild things. Believes that all people have good and bad in them and that sometimes they just cant open their hearts to get to the good.

Carol, Native of Louisivlle Ky where she has spent the last 15 years as an activist in Gay,Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender organizing, anti- racist work and economic justice, and as a cultural worker and musician.

Bob, 72 year old social justice activist. This is his third visit to Cuba.He is strongly imporessed by the country and especially the Cuban people. Bob is appalled at the ongoing blockade against Cuba and will try in his way to bring an end to the blockade. He goes this time in honour of his friend Henry Wallace who, he says "was a dear friend of mine, of Cuba and of the World"

Penny, Is going to Cuba to learn about their way of produce farming. She lives on a farm with many different types of animals where they recycle the animal wastes to replenish the soil. Penny plans to learn about the process from Cubans of how they are able to produce healthy crops to feed their country.

Shirley, She is 45 years old and this is her first time our of the United States. She wants to find out about life in Cuba. She is interested in Education and not using pesticides to grow food.

Carla has been working an movement building for justice and peace for over 30 years. Her work includes efforts on racial justice, International Solidarity and l/g/b/t human rights.

Jake is a grandson of Henry Wallace and a Cuba supporting Anarchist who lives in Louisville.

Shameka is 14 years old and wants to be a clothing designer. She likes cleaning and helping animals and hates being questioned!

Shameka (mother of Shameka!!) is a single mother of four attending college full time and working as an activist for Social Justice through Social Change. She feels this trip is almost impossible for people in her situation and she feels priveleged and honored to visit Cuba.

Allie is a daughter, a sister and friend of many wonderful people in Kentucky, hoping to do her part in improving the lives of the daughters,sisters and friends of Cuba and other nations around the World.

Beth is a 47 year old Mexican- American queer and a US Navy Veteran. She does HIV/AIDS work in Louisiville, Kentucky and is also active in doing social justice activism. This will be her third trip to Cuba.

Maria's family moved to the US from Argentina when she was 4 years old.Her parents taught her to apreciate diversity and give back to the community. She hopes to learn from this trip and to be able to educate her communiy about what is really going on in Cuba.

Carolyn is a 16 year old student and a recreational musician. She is hoping to gain an understanding of what Cuba's culture, people and government are really like, rather than being misled and misinformed by the impressions that the US governments actions and non-factual information make on her.

Beth has been involved in social activism since 1989 and currently directs a civil liberties organization in Kentucky. She is a former newspaper reporter who turned to social justice work after witnessing a variety of injustices and feeling the need to be more actively involved.

Howard is an African American male who has embraced the opportunity to go to Cuba to learn about a culture in which the people have learned to hold on to the virtues of available healthcare,education,food and housing for all, despite tremendous pressure not to do so.

Sonja is a social justice activist, a filmmaker and a mom of three incredible children. She lived in Cuba in the early 90's and has travelled there many times. The Cuban Revolution continues to inspire and challenge her in all its beauty, generosity and contradictions.

Jerry is a farmer and farm manager with an interest in organic farming and environmentalism. He was also a very dear and lifelong friend of Henry Wallace.

Caitlin Mcleod is 17 years old with a keen interest in theater and acting. Next year she hopes to attend either a University to study Drama or an Acting School. In travelling to Cuba she is very excited to learn more about its perfroming arts as well as its culture and political society. Caitlin is imensely proud to be part of such a delegation.

Bruce Mcleod is a teacher, screen writer and children's novelist. He is presently co-writing a film with Naomi Wallace called RUBBERTOWN, for the director Sonja de Vries.

Naomi Wallace is a playwright and screenwriter. Her work has been widely produced in both the UK and the United States. Her new play for Ators Theater of Louisivlle is about Environmental Justice in Louisiville.

Tegan McLeod is a high school student interested in literature and drama. She is looking forward to learning about the Cuban Revolution.

Stephon is a Hip Hop commentator. He wants to explore Hip Hop from other countries and see first hand the land where a small group of people overthrew the Batista government based off the Mao led Revolution in China. Also, he wants to experience a socialist country first hand.

Anne is a mother and grandmother, has been active in her community against racism and Police abuse. Anne has also been involved in theater, and taught school for many years.

First Post

2006-11-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

The Henry Wallace Brigade was initiated in honor of the late Henry F Wallace. Henry was a journalist, a civil rights and social justice activist and a supporter of the Cuban Revolution his entire life. Henry first went to Cuba as a journalist in the 1940's where he witnessed the brutal racism and inequality under a U.S. supported dictatorship. When Henry returned to Cuba in 1959 he was deeply impressed with the commitment the Cuban Revolution had toward eradicating racism,creating better living conditions for all, universal health care and education and the right to housing. He saw in Cuba an example of how to put human needs before profit.
Henry wrote letters to the editor about Cuba for over 40 years, always calling for an end to the U.S. Embargo of Cuba and the Travel restricitions that keep U.S. citizens from travelling to Cuba. Henry urged people to go and see Cuba for themselves and he made his final trip there in February of 2006, two months before he died. Now 21 Lousivillians are travelling to Cuba in Henry's honor to learn for ourselves about this country that he loved so much. When we return we will share our experiences with our communities. We know that Henry will be with us all the way.