On September 12th, 1998 five Cuban men–Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, FernandoGonzález and René González– were arrested and wrongfully placed in prison to serve two life sentences. The Cuban Five, as they are called was convicted of committing espionage conspiracy against the United States. However, they maintain that they were on assignment to watch terrorist groups throughout Miami.

Tuesday evening, at the Howard University School of Law, students and activists gathered to address The Cuban Five. The Moot Court Room was almost filled to capacity as the discussion, headed by actor and activist Danny Glover discussed the case. Nearly 100 people sat in the room anxiously awaiting every word.
The forum began with Gloria La Riva, the coordinator of the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five. The audience sat in awe as Gloria spoke on the details of the case and why she feels this is a national issue that should be made more public.

“This injustice is one that needs to be stopped” were Gloria’s closing remarks.

Actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover injected the audience with enthusiasm and passion for the case. His first remarks were ones of honor and praise to the Howard University law school and to the people of Howard University.

“[It’s a] pleasure to be here with such courageous students, thank you Howard University for having me,” said Glover.

From this remark arose a common feeling of pride amongst the crowd. He spoke about the need for justice to be brought about and there is no better time than right now.  Gerardo Hernandez, one of the men arrested with the Cuban Five, is one of Glover’s close friends and brothers. Glover’s only wish is that Howard can help in getting this case more notarized and bringing justice to these men.

The evening continued with remarks on the case from Martin Garbus, one of the country’s leading trial lawyers, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, a professor of Government and Public Policy, Kurt Schmoke, Vice President and General Counsel of Howard University, Anderson Francois, Supervising Attorney of the civil rights clinic and Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, executive director of the partnership for civil justice fund.

Each panelist shared the same message–people must use social media to spread awareness about The Cuban Five and bring justice to these men. It is the job of the students, leaders and activists to spread awareness through social media efforts and educate others about the injustices of this case.

Irene Barnes, a Howard University Law student, said that she “found [the forum] very informative and an important topic for us to be informed on.”