Cuban actress Zajaris Fernández openly criticized her fellow Cubans who, living in freedom abroad, seem indifferent to the plight of those on the Island. On Tuesday, Zajaris joined a demonstration at Lafayette Square, in front of the White House, alongside many Cubans demanding that President Trump intensify his pressure on the regime.
"I'm here on behalf of all the artists who haven't had the courage to stand here, those who came to this country to live and achieve what we were never allowed to achieve and to speak about where we come from," she declared amidst cheers and applause.
The comedian described the situation of emigrated Cubans as living in a vast dungeon, highlighting that many of them "have full tables, but empty souls." Zajaris stressed that Cubans traveled to Washington because they aspire to grow as individuals without abandoning their loved ones, and without leaving their homeland not knowing when they might return or needing permission to do so.
"Thank you, Cubans, for everything you do. Don't give up, no matter what they say, no matter what they try to make us believe; we have the courage and the strength to see Cuba free, and we will see it," she exclaimed.
Dozens of Cubans, encouraged by influencer Alexander Otaola, traveled to Washington to demand freedom for Cuba and its political prisoners. Various figures from the Cuban arts scene gathered at the event, including Los Pichy Boys, Cuqui la Mora, Sandra Pérez, Carmen Daisy, and Keelyn Durán.
"We are committed to Cuba's freedom. What a pride to see all our brothers united," Los Pichy Boys expressed on their Instagram account. Cuqui la Mora shared several images from the protest, stating, "I wish all exiled Cubans, both new and old, would prioritize Cuba's freedom. However, we are still many dignified Cubans committed to the cause."
Meanwhile, comedian Boncó Quiñongo took to social media to address those who criticized him for not attending the protest. "I don't want to hear anyone saying that I'm not in Washington, like they say around here, because it's the same as what happened in Cuba, where they would tell you: 'don't go to work, there's a march.' And then someone from the committee would jot down who went and who didn't. So, what are we really doing?" Boncó questioned.
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora's Protest
Why did Zajaris Fernández participate in the protest at Lafayette Square?
Zajaris Fernández participated to represent Cuban artists who haven't had the courage to speak out and to call for increased pressure on Cuba's regime, advocating for the freedom of Cuba.
What was the main message of the protest in Washington?
The main message was to demand freedom for Cuba and its political prisoners, and to encourage the United States to put more pressure on the Cuban regime.
How did the Cuban artists express their support for the protest?
Cuban artists expressed their support by attending the protest, sharing images, and posting messages on social media, emphasizing the importance of unity and commitment to Cuba's freedom.