Marking four years since the groundbreaking SOS Cuba protests, the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami has launched an exhibit. This showcase entitled "11J: One People," remembers the days when Cubans, feeling the heavy hand of economic crises exacerbated by international sanctions and the pandemic, took to the streets demanding change. This sentiment wasn't confined to the island's borders—Miami became a stage for solidarity marches and declarations, as reported by Local 10.
Today, the opening event is set to welcome Cuban exile organizations in what is anticipated to be a symbolic gathering. With the ringing anthem "Patria y vida" as a backdrop, those participating will bear witness to the historical weight of July 11, 2021. These protests, according to Marcel Felipe of the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, signified the "beginning of the end of the dictatorship" as neighbors united in a chorus of opposition—a narrative now reiterated by memorabilia and voices in Miami. Some have been evidently speaking, despite being disrupted during the protests and the immediate days after, internet and cellphone data service was.
The centerpiece of the exhibit spotlights José Daniel Ferrer, a human rights champion whose current imprisonment spotlights the ongoing struggle for democratic freedoms. The showcase will not only honor Ferrer but also the pivotal role of pro-freedom Catholic priests, emphasizing resilience and devotion to civil liberties under great personal risk. In a statement, Felipe declared, "These protests marked the beginning of the end of the dictatorship," as obtained by Local 10. Meanwhile, the museum's permanent exhibit, "The Cuban Experience," continues to echo the contrast between Cuba's past freedoms with its current state of suppression.
According to the recently opened exhibition, more than 500 people have faced conviction for their participation in the protests, with around 1,100 political prisoners languishing behind bars. Such stark figures underscore the urgency relayed by Marcell Felipe, chairman of The Cuban, who speaks on the daily bravery of dissenters like Ferrer: "There is no one braver than José Daniel Ferrer, who is beaten almost daily in prison for championing freedom on the island." Despite the astounding figure of political prisoners, details like these are prominently highlighted to bring awareness to the struggle for Cuba's future, according to a statement by South Press Online.
