Help Send CAAMI Delegates On Cuban Solidarity Retreat
“Albany Cuba Solidarity is sending a delegation of 20 people to Cuba from February 4th-14th, and has generously offered to reserve space for local Black Lives Matter Movement organizers. I cannot put into words how ecstatic I am that I and another organizer from Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration (CAAMI), Amani Olugbala, have been given this unbelievable opportunity to delve into creating international solidarity movements.
We will be hosted by the Martin Luther King Center in Havana, and the group has a full schedule of learning and activities to give us a better understanding of the Cuban Revolution, including it’s accomplishments and challenges. As an AfroBoricua, Cuba gives me hope. Cuba reminds me that revolution is possible. Cuba reminds me that Puerto Rico can be free. That we can all be free. I intend to bring this spirit of liberacion (liberation) back to my community, and I intend to be a more effective social justice fighter after diving deeper into the revolution that has inspired me to fight back.
This experience will broaden me as a leader as the Albany community continues to fight for justice for Dontay Ivy, the release of Marquis Dixon, and the overall (in)justice system that has oppressed black and brown people for far too long.
The total cost of the trip is $2500, and the Albany Cuba Solidarity Committee has offered me a scholarship of $1500. That means I only need to raise $1000, which will help with my airfare, my stay at the Martin Luther King Center, some meals, and extra fees (museum visits, etc.). Anything extra that is made will go towards spending money/incidentals for Amani and I. Any amount is DEEPLY and TRULY appreciated!
In Solidarity and Peace,
Ariela”