In January 2024, our CRLN delegation arrived in Cuba after more than a year of planning. It was decided in 2023 to partner with the Witness for Peace Solidarity Collective (WFP), which has a staff member in Cuba and vast experience organizing delegations. The delegation would explore the historic and impactful community, theological, and secular work of the renowned Centro Memorial Martin Luther King (CMLK). In preparation for the experience, delegates spent six months studying topics relevant to Cuba’s social, cultural, and political context led by Marilyn McKenna, Vimary Couvertier-Cruz, Dan Dale, and Jhonathan Gómez

Over ten days, delegates witnessed CMLK’s grassroots activism and liberatory Christian methodologies, which have empowered Cuban communities for over three decades. This delegation provided valuable insights into the challenges facing the Cuban people, worsened by harmful U.S. policies while fostering a deeper understanding of CMLK’s mission to inspire hope and build social change. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues framed by Cuba’s history of resistance, leaving energized to advocate for policy changes in the United States.

The delegation was enriched by the collaboration with WFP, whose transnational efforts highlight the broader impacts of U.S. policies in the Americas. The trip emphasized inclusivity through collective fundraising and scholarships, ensuring diverse representation among participants. As we reflect on this journey, we celebrate the strengthened partnership with CMLK and remain steadfast in supporting the Cuban people’s pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity.

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