President Joe Biden will host Cuban American leaders at the White House on Friday to discuss the recent protests in the Caribbean nation, including new sanctions on Cuban leaders and establishing internet access for Cubans.
On July 11th, thousands of people marched on the streets of Cuba to protest against the severe economic crisis, shortages of food and medicine, and the lack of vaccines. Many protesters called for liberation and freedom and chanted, “we want change” and “down with the dictatorship.”
The protest ended with security forces beating and arresting many protesters. Cuba’s government mainly blamed the U.S. for its worsening economy. According to human rights organizations, over 700 people are being held by the government.
In the U.S., Cuban Americans have held protests and rallies to support Cuba and called on President Biden to take more actions against Havana. The White House has held several meetings with Cuban American leaders and members of Congress since the protests swept through the island.
Yotuel Romero, one of the performers of the song “Patria y Vida,” will be at the meeting. “Patria y Vidam” or “Homeland and life,” is a phrase that was shouted repeatedly during the protests and has become a sort of anthem in protests and is a play on the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death.”
Former Miami Mayor Manny Díaz, Roots of Hope founder L. Felice Gorordo and Miami Freedom Project co-founder Ana Sofía Peláez are also expected to be in attendance.