CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR LARGER VERSIONS!	Celebrate the July 26th Movement & the Gains of the Cuban Revolution! Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba hosted a cultural night and forum, to “Celebrate the July 26th Movement and the Gains of the Cuban Revolution” on Friday July 27th, at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House. After a delicious Latin American dinner, the MC, April Desilets, welcomed everyone to watch the film “Desafio” which set their minds in Cuba’s challenges, struggles, and achievements. After the film, Jenn Jay from the Free the Cuban 5 Committee – Vancouver talked about the case of the five Cuban heroes held in US jails, who were collecting information about anti-Cuban terrorists operating out of Miami, in order to defend Cuba and the gains of the July 26th Movement and Cuban Revolution. Then Nigel Page was invited up to explain his collection of OSPAAAL posters (Organization of Solidarity of the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America) that he shared with the participants on display for the night, featuring posters from Cuban artists, which show their solidarity and internationalism with countries and people around the world. Next the audience heard from Jose Angel, with the translation from Rosa Arteaga, both from the Solidarity Coalition for a United Latin America. Jose gave us concrete examples and explained how Cuba influenced the rest of Latin America in standing up to US imperialism, and with social gains, such as in working against discrimination of women and advancing women’s leadership in society. Next to speak was Janine Solanki from Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC). Janine outlined the significance and history of the July 26th movement, leading to the gains achieved through the Cuban Revolution, and quoting words from Fidel’s reflections, that “ideas cannot be killed.” Then to coax laughter and reflection from the audience was German Altamirano, who read prose of his thoughts and reflections of the Cuba Revolution. The speakers section of the night was concluded with an exciting recorded message straight from Cuba, from VCSC coordinator Tamara Hansen, who celebrated July 26th in Cuba with 12 other solidarity activists from Vancouver on the Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade. To begin the festivities Ramon Flores and Pablo Oyarzo sang, drummed and strummed, and filled the air with Latin American music of celebration! With everyone’s ears full of music, next were feet full of rhythm, as Carlos Reyes, a Cuban dance instructor, got everyone on to the dance floor to learn Cuban salsa steps. Through missteps and newfound dance skills, Vancouver’s July 26th celebration was carried away in Cuba’s dancing tradition…