Dear New York Freedom Riders,

The members of Casa de las Americas wish to say thank you for your decision to be a Freedom Rider to Washington, DC for the Cuban Five this past Saturday, April 21st.  We are grateful for your solidarity with Cuba, with its people, and with the Cuban Five.

At the rally, we fulfilled the objective of raising awareness of our Five Cuban Heroes and the great injustice that has been done to them.

We understand that President Obama can exercise his executive position and release these men and allow them to return to Cuba immediately. We remain hopeful, that as a result of the great efforts of the International Committee to Free the Five during last week at Washington, DC and that of the many friends from around this nation like you, including international friends that joined in these efforts, that we have come significantly closer to realizing our ultimate goal which is for Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Rene Gonzalez, Fernando Gonzalez and Ramon Labañino to return home.

We extend our appreciation to DC37 for their generosity for this cause. They donated two of the four buses and distributed wholesome boxed lunches for all participants, as well as plastic ponchos in case it rained. Local 1199 helped considerably to finance the rental of one of the buses. These are actions that speak to their mission, the character of their leadership, and their commitment to peace, justice, and humanity.

To the organizations in solidarity with Cuba that comprise the July 26 Coalition. Their hard work and dutiful planning ensured the success of New York’s participation at the culminating event of the rally for the Five.

It was more than an honor to spend the day with you all. We had the best time together especially on our return home. To everyone that entertained us with a song, a story, a poem, quote or a funny joke – we say thank you.  We were reminded of all the talent, positive energy, and fiery spirit that exists amongst us.

“Hacer es la mejor forma de decir”

– José Martí

Un fuerte abrazo,

Nancy Cabrero

Presidenta

Casa de las Américas