The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has extended an invitation to Cubans to express their thoughts on freedom or the historic ties between Cuba and the United States. This initiative is part of the #Freedom250 global campaign, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In a Facebook post, the diplomatic mission asked, "If you could share a message about '#Freedom250', or the historical relationship between Cuba and the USA, what would you say?"
The embassy is accepting short videos of up to 30 seconds, photographs, or written messages. Participants can contribute by commenting on the embassy's post or sending their submissions to the email HavanaMedia@state.gov.
According to the embassy, submissions can be "a phrase, a wish, or an idea... something heartfelt."
The embassy announced plans to publish a selection of the messages on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Global Campaign and Its Cuban Dimension
#Freedom250 is a worldwide initiative from the Department of State, rolled out in embassies across the globe throughout 2026. It encompasses themes such as democracy, culture, science, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
In Cuba, the campaign has taken on a unique public diplomacy aspect, focusing specifically on the idea of freedom, contextualized within Cuban society and the bilateral history of the two nations.
This month, the embassy also paid tribute to Cuban exiled artists such as Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, and Gloria Estefan through its cultural series "American Afternoons," also part of the #Freedom250 initiative.
Grants for a Free and Prosperous Cuba
In parallel, the embassy launched the "Towards a Free and Prosperous Cuba" grant program. This is targeted at independent journalists, content creators, artists, religious organizations, independent educational institutions, and Cuban entrepreneurs.
The call for proposals explicitly excludes individuals or organizations associated with the Cuban regime, and selected projects must be completed within a 12-month timeframe.
The embassy also honored José Martí, aligning his legacy with the values promoted by the #Freedom250 campaign as part of its public diplomacy strategy.
The deadline to apply for the grant program is August 15, 2026, and submissions must be sent to usembassyhavanagrants@state.gov, with the opportunity title in the subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions About #Freedom250 Campaign
What is the #Freedom250 campaign?
#Freedom250 is a global initiative by the U.S. Department of State to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. It involves activities in embassies worldwide, focusing on themes like democracy, culture, and science.
How can Cubans participate in the #Freedom250 campaign?
Cubans can participate by submitting short videos, photos, or written messages about freedom or the historical relationship between Cuba and the USA. Submissions can be made via Facebook comments on the embassy's post or by emailing HavanaMedia@state.gov.
Who is eligible for the "Towards a Free and Prosperous Cuba" grant program?
The grant program is open to independent journalists, content creators, artists, religious organizations, independent educational institutions, and entrepreneurs in Cuba. It excludes those affiliated with the Cuban government.