On Friday September 12th 2008, on the 10th year of the imprisonment of our 5 Cuban heroes held in US jails, the Free the Cuban 5 Committee – Vancouver (FC5C-Van) in coordination with Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) organized a day to protest the injustice against these 5 men, and to honor their heroic example. Following a spirited picket action for the Cuban 5 (click here for report), over 45 supporters and defenders of the Cuban 5 enjoyed a great evening of original poetry for the 5 heroes, at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House.

For 10 years, the 5 have been held in US jails, because of their role in exposing US-sponsored terrorism against Cuba. From prison they have used poetry and art to inspire and communicate with people around the world. In a bold quest the FC5C-Van sent a broad call for original poetry to commemorate 10 years of our continued fight for justice. The response was extraordinary with over 30 people writing heart-felt poems for the 5 heroes and this special cultural night.

Poetry was not only read in English, but also in Spanish, French and Farsi. Added to this were- poems sung as songs, poems read over powerful music and hip hop infused spoken word. Many poems had a common introduction…“I am not really a poet,” or “I have never really written poetry,” followed by how all had been inspired to write their poem for the 5. From humble introductions came moving and imaginative poems that encompassed many aspects of the case of the 5 Heroes, rousing emotions of sorrow, happiness, anger and above all the determination to continue the fight for their freedom.

The beautiful film, “Ivette” about the daughter of René González (one of the Cuban 5) was also shown. The film illustrates the injustice inflicted on 7-year-old Ivette, as she dedicates a drawing to a father she hadn’t seen since she was 2.

The Cuban 5 have set forth a tradition of sharing their thoughts, hopes, and emotions with the world through poetry. Following this tradition, all of the poems from Vancouver’s Cuban Cultural Night for the Cuban 5 have been compiled into a booklet. This booklet will be sent to our 5 heroes in US jails and to their families to share with them the will to fight for justice which they have inspired in so many people.

The Free the Cuban Five Committee – Vancouver & Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba would like send another great big “Thank You” to everyone who contributed their poems!