Lecture Notes: Race and Revolution in Cuba

Introduction

• Cuba is a multiracial society with a complex history of racial relations.
• Professor Henry Lewis Gates Jr. explored whether Castro's revolution ended racism in Cuba.

Historical Background

• About 780,000 African slaves were brought to Cuba, shaping the country's politics, culture, and identity.
• Despite the abolition of slavery, Afro-Cubans continue to struggle for racial equality.

The Cuban Revolution of 1959

• Fidel Castro promised socialism would end endemic racism.
• Investigating whether racial equality has been achieved since then.

Early Cuban History

• Columbus landed in Cuba in 1492, but the economy took off in the 18th and 19th centuries due to sugar demand.
• Massive numbers of African slaves were imported to support the sugar industry.

Cultural Legacy

• Cultural practices like the Santoria religious ceremony have origins in African traditions.
• Influences from West African peoples like Yoruba are evident.

Independence and the Influence of America

• Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898, but American intervention led to a new form of colonial control.
• The U.S. imposed segregationist policies during their occupation.
• Racist attitudes persisted post-independence, with African cultural roots often suppressed.

Notable Figures and Events

• Antonio Maceo, a black general, played a key role in the war of independence.
• The U.S. tried to discredit black leaders, and racial tensions persisted.
• Pedro Ivonet led a revolt for black rights in 1912 but was met with a massacre.

Cultural Developments

• In the 1920s, Cuba began embracing its mixed heritage, known as "cubanidad."
• Black cultural elements like Son music gained official acceptance.

Mid-20th Century Developments

• The 1950s Cuba was divided between a prosperous white population and impoverished black communities.
• Batista's regime was marked by inequality despite economic growth.

Castro's Revolutionary Changes

• The revolution in 1959 sought to address social inequalities, including racism.
• Education and healthcare reforms benefited black Cubans.
• However, informal racism persisted, and economic issues widened racial divides.

Post-Soviet Union Challenges

• The fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 led to economic crisis in Cuba.
• Remittances from mostly white Cuban exiles in the U.S. created economic disparities.
• Two-tier currency system exacerbated racial inequalities.

Contemporary Issues

• Black Cubans are underrepresented in lucrative economic sectors.
• Racial issues are often censored, making it hard to address them publicly.

Cultural and Intellectual Responses

• Intellectuals like Miguel Barnet advocate for more African history in Cuban education.
• Hip-hop artists highlight ongoing racism and strive for change.

Conclusion

• The revolution ended official racism but not societal racism.
• Efforts continue among intellectuals and artists to address racial disparities.
• The quest for a truly equal Cuban society remains ongoing.