Lázaro Ramos González, a 69-year-old Cuban living on the streets of Miami, has reestablished communication with his family in Cuba after more than 40 years of silence. For years, his relatives in Havana believed he had passed away.
This Cuban's story emerged through a video shared by the TikTok profile Conducta en Dade, a project that amplifies the voices of the homeless in South Florida. Ramos González arrived in the United States in 1980 during the Mariel Boatlift. Although he claims to have spent some time in California, he has been surviving on the streets of Hialeah for many years.
His situation gained attention when he was interviewed by members of Conducta en Dade, who shared his story on social media. The video was seen by residents of the Regla neighborhood in Havana, where he lived before emigrating, leading to his identification.
Through this extraordinary series of events, the project managed to connect him with his former partner, Gladys Lavarieta, the mother of his son Lázaro—known as Lachi—who resides in the United States but has never had a relationship with his father.
"It's unbelievable to see him alive after so many years," expressed Lavarieta, visibly emotional during the call, as reported by the Conducta en Dade team, who facilitated the telephone reunion after 45 years of silence.
Although it remains unconfirmed whether he has other relatives in the United States, the Conducta en Dade team continues to seek support to improve the situation of this elderly Cuban man. His case highlights the silent tragedy of many migrants who, after decades abroad, find themselves isolated and disconnected from their roots.
This reunion has touched the hearts of thousands on social media, rekindling hope that stories like Lázaro's can find a new direction through solidarity and the power of human connection.
Insights into Lázaro Ramos González's Story
How did Lázaro Ramos González's family find out he was still alive?
His family discovered he was alive after a video of him was shared by Conducta en Dade on social media, which was seen by residents of his former neighborhood in Havana.
What is the significance of the Mariel Boatlift in Lázaro's story?
The Mariel Boatlift was a mass emigration of Cubans to the United States in 1980. Lázaro Ramos González came to the U.S. during this event, which marked the beginning of his long journey and eventual disconnection from his family.
What role did Conducta en Dade play in Lázaro's story?
Conducta en Dade played a crucial role by sharing Lázaro's story on social media, which ultimately led to his identification and reconnection with his family in Cuba.