Cap Inspired by Mike Hammer: A Symbol of Charm and Bravery

Cuban artist Julio Llopiz-Casal recently took to Facebook to share the story behind a cap design that has become a symbol of charm and bravery among Cuban internet users. This trend emerged after Mike Hammer, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, was spotted wearing it.

"I created this straightforward design purely for enjoyment, sparked by those flashes of inspiration that sometimes strike my CPU. The name Mike, with a hammer beneath it: what you see is what it is," Llopiz-Casal explained while unveiling the design that cleverly references Hammer's surname, which means "hammer" in English.

The artist recounted that the concept came to life when the opportunity to produce the caps arose, and Hammer himself showed interest in the design.

"The Chargé d'Affaires appreciated the design; it didn't surprise me, but I didn't expect it to gain this much traction. Mike Hammer is a friendly and attentive man, a diplomat who acts as I believe diplomats should. Most importantly, Mike Hammer does what politicians in Cuba should do more effectively, but they lack the courage and the will," the creator commented.

In his post, Llopiz-Casal also expressed gratitude to journalists Mario J. Pentón and Miguel Cossio for helping bring the caps to fruition: "Thanks to Mario J. Pentón and Miguel Cossio for their efforts in making these beautiful accessories a reality. And of course, thanks to Mike Hammer," he concluded.

Hammer himself responded to a post by Miguel Cossio — who is also the Director of Operations at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora — in which Cossio wrote: "We have to tip our hat, as we say in Cuban, to this 'yuma'."

With humor and camaraderie, the diplomat replied, "Thanks for the support, Miguel, but don't take this hat off."

This interaction highlights a gesture of warmth and empathy from the U.S. representative, contrasting with the typical detachment of the regime's authorities towards civil society.