April 18-22: Days of action to demand end to U.S. blockade of Cuba

Grassroots advocates for ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba — which still chokes off trade with the socialist island despite advances in the diplomatic sphere — will walk the House and Senate hallways on April 19 to 21.

The week’s activities will wrap up with a Community Forum on Friday, April 22, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, in the 5th floor Moot Court room. “Through Cuban Eyes” will feature presentations by and a question-and-answer session with a spectrum of Cuban experts. The keynote speaker is Cuban Ambassador José Ramón Cabañas.

Invited guests from Cuba include a physician and nurse whose international service included fighting the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, in West Africa, and who are experts in Cuba’s public health achievements; Luisa Campos, the director of the Havana Literacy Museum and well-versed in Cuba’s Yo Sí Puedo method, known for its global literacy success; and Cuban journalism student Jorgito Jerez. Born with cerebral palsy in 1993, Jerez’s life story is captured in the documentary “Power of the Weak” by German videographer Tobias Kriele. Both Jerez and Kriele will premiere the video in New York City from April 14 through 18 before coming to Washington, where screenings are organized for April 20 at American University and on April 21 at the University of the District of Columbia.

The Days of Action is a collaboration by the International Committee for Peace, Justice and Dignity; IFCO/Pastors for Peace; the Venceremos Brigade; the Institute for Policy Studies; the National Network on Cuba; and others.

For more information, the events schedule and to reserve your seat for the Friday evening forum, go to theinternationalcommittee.org.