Cubans living in the United States are gearing up for a demonstration this Thursday, October 1st, right outside the White House in Washington, D.C. Their message to President Donald Trump is clear: "Finish the Job," a call for more decisive actions regarding Cuba.
The rally is part of the #DoItTrumpDoIt campaign, initially spearheaded by Cuban host Alexander Otaola. He announced the protest date in August, deliberately choosing a weekday to ensure that their demands reach federal institutions while they are operational.
Recently, various influential figures within the Cuban community have echoed the call to join the demonstration. Among them is comedian Aleanys Jáuregui, known artistically as Cuqui la Mora, who urged her followers to travel to the U.S. capital.
Voices from the Cuban Community
"We will gather in Washington to ask Donald Trump for actions, not just words. The more Cubans that attend, the louder our voice will be," Cuquita stated in a Facebook video. She linked her plea to the severe crisis in Cuba, highlighting shortages of food and medicine, extensive power outages, water scarcity, and the dire state of hospitals.
She also emphasized the plight of those imprisoned for political reasons, concluding her message with a demand for "freedom for Cuba" and "freedom for political prisoners."
"Every small effort for liberty is felt and noticed, and Cuba needs it," she added, encouraging those unable to travel to at least share the event's details.
A United Call for Action
Cuban singer Osmani García also joined the call to rally at the White House. While addressing the island's condition, he introduced another concern: the deportations of Cuban migrants from the United States. García urged a halt to the repatriation of migrants who, he argued, have worked and built lives in America.
The protest resonates on social media with the plight of Cuban political prisoners and specific cases on the island. Yau A. Salcedo, a Cuban, pointed out that on the same October 1st, while Cubans gather in Washington, Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente and her mother, Caridad Silvente, are scheduled to appear before the Municipal People's Court in East Havana.
"October 1st will have two stages but one Cuba," Salcedo wrote, urging that both inside and outside the island, the call for "freedom, rights, and justice for Cubans" resonates.
Trump's Strong Stance on Cuba
The White House demonstration comes after months of strong rhetoric from Trump concerning Cuba. In March, he stated from the White House that it would be "a great honor" to "take Cuba" and discussed the possibility of "liberating" the island amidst rising tensions between Washington and Havana.
Currently, public information about the rally does not indicate how many people are expected to attend or specify a start time, although the call to action has circulated for weeks and continues to gain traction on social media as October 1st approaches.
The main message organizers aim to deliver to the White House is for Washington to maintain focus on the Cuban situation and implement new measures, calling for the release of political prisoners and political reform on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Rally at the White House
What is the main goal of the Cuban rally at the White House?
The primary aim is to urge the U.S. government to maintain its focus on the Cuban situation and take further action, including demanding the release of political prisoners and political changes on the island.
Who initiated the #DoItTrumpDoIt campaign?
The campaign was initially launched by Cuban host Alexander Otaola, aiming to bring attention to the demands for more decisive U.S. action towards Cuba.
Why was October 1st chosen for the rally?
The date was strategically selected to occur on a weekday, ensuring that federal institutions are open, thereby increasing the likelihood that the demands are heard in Washington.
What additional issues will be highlighted during the protest?
Beyond the Cuban crisis, the rally will also address concerns over the deportation of Cuban migrants from the United States, advocating for their right to remain after building lives in the country.