Momentum Grows for September 23 March

Dear Friends of the Cuban Five:

From Miami to Philadelphia, Montreal to New York, supporters of the Cuban Five anti-terrorist fighters are buying bus and plane tickets to come to Washington, DC for the September 23 March and Forum.

In Miami, dozens of progressive Cubans who have already gathered more than $30,000 to help in the Cuban Five’s struggle this year, are giving an extra push to fly to DC. A delegation of Cubans and other supporters are also coming from Tampa.

Andrés Gómez, leader of the Antonio Maceo Brigade who is coordinating the Miami contingent, has announced that 40 people are already signed up to come. “We are motivated by the sacrifice that Antonio, Gerardo, Ramón, Fernando and René have made to protect the people of Cuba and the people of Miami from terrorist groups that have operated with impunity in this city for decades.

“Especially after the outrageous 11th Circuit decision denying them a new trial, we have a deep sense of duty to be in front of the White House to demand their freedom. We urge all people who believe in justice to join us.”

An A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition e-mail announcement resulted in hundreds of responses in just a few days. They come from individuals asking for posters and flyers, and making commitments to participate. In Washington, every day until Sept. 23, the ANSWER office will be sending out postering teams to cover the city with eye-catching 17x22 inch four-color posters.

Chris Banks, outreach coordinator of the march, said, “Individuals are sending in endorsements and offers to help from New York City, Eugene, Los Angeles, San Francisco, El Paso, Nashville, Buffalo, Chicago, Virginia, North Carolina, and more. Just as important are the dozens of requests for videos and flyers on the Cuban Five, and of people interested in setting up Cuban Five committees. Even beyond those who attend, Sept. 23 will help us strengthen this national network for these courageous freedom fighters.”

The Nation of Islam, respected and vigorous institution of the Black community in the United States, has resolutely united with this campaign for justice and will mobilize for the Sept. 23 events. Minister Akbar Muhammad, International Representative of the Nation of Islam, will speak in the afternoon forum that takes place after the march.

The Philadelphia Free the Five Committee is planning “leafleting and consciousness-raising events” at Temple University on Sept. 12, the eighth-anniversary date of the Five’s arrest, as well as a similar event at the University of Pennsylvania on the 18th. Philadelphia coordinator Stephen Paulmier says, “We are dedicating this month to getting out to south, west, and north Philadelphia for our five brothers. We are definitely going to fill a bus, if not more.” Activists of the Friends and Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal will also travel from Philadelphia to DC.

In Montreal, more than 600 people attended a “Concert and Celebration of Québec-Cuba Solidarity” on August 27. Organizers immediately committed to organize a busload of supporters to come to DC, after presentations by Cuban embassy representatives. Quebecois activist Philippe Le Roux and Gloria La Riva. La Riva was invited to Montreal to give an update on the legal and popular struggle in the U.S. for the Cuban Five and was presented with a check for $3000 by the Montreal committee during her visit.

For people to come from Montreal to the Washington, D.C. represents more than just 10 hours of driving, it involves crossing the border at a time of growing U.S. hostility toward Cuban supporters

La Riva said “It was inspiring to see so many people at the concert declare their intention to come on the 23rd. One young Puerto Rican woman had moved from the U.S. and vowed never to return. But she said, ‘I will definitely be there.’ This was the attitude of many.”

Tens of thousands of posters and leaflets are being distributed. Organizing centers include New York, Chicago, Richmond VA, New Haven and Hartford CT, Boston, Columbia and Baltimore MD, Philadelphia, and Raleigh NC. A complete list of cities can be found on the website: http://www.freethefive.org/ sept23.htm

In just one example of the response in Washington, D.C., The Rev. Dr. E. Valentin-Castanon of The General Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church, ordered 300 flyers to distribute to other DC-area ministers.

Even from afar, messages of support are coming in. From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sandra Rodriguez-Beauchamp wrote “As a Puerto Rican, better yet, a Boricua, I know the pain of having our brothers and sisters jailed in the US for their love of Liberty. The five Cubans and all Cuban patriots are also our own flesh and blood and soul, our own pride and love, our own hope for Freedom and Dignity and Justice.” Eladio González of the Primer Museo Suramericano "Ernesto Che Guevara", in Argentina, writes, “I admire your efforts and will always appreciate everything you do in support of the justice that our five brothers, unjustly imprisoned, deserve. Hasta la victoria siempre.” Eladio won’t be able to make it to D.C. on Sept. 23, but we hope that every supporter of the Cuban Five reading this letter will be able to do so. The time to stand up for these five heroes is now!

Click here for the Sept. 23 details:
http://www.freethefive.org/index.htm

Sincerely,