Honoring Che

People packed the hall of New York City’s Local 1199 SEIU on Oct. 6 to celebrate the life of Che Guevara on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his assassination.

Bausilio Gutierrez from ICAP. Photos: Roberto Mercado

The keynote speaker was a representative of the Cuban government, Bausilio Gutierrez, vice president of ICAP—the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People.

Gutierrez thanked the enthusiastic crowd for all the solidarity that has been shown to Cuba for close to 50 years since the revolution triumphed in 1959.

Julie Fry from the New York Free the Five Committee and Workers World Party salutes Che's legacy.

Bausilio said that one reason so many people worldwide stand with Cuba is for the principles the Cuban people have defended. These principles are some of the very ones that Che Guevara most embodied: international solidarity and a communist attitude of leading by example.

“Che was ready to give everything for the people’s struggle, including his life,” Gutierrez said. The event was organized by the July 26th Coalition, a broad coalition of many progressive and left-wing groups.

—Teresa Gutierrez