Cuba’s Commitment to Preserving Afro-Cuban Culture and History
Since its inception as one of the founding partners of UNESCO’s The Slave Route: Resistance, freedom, and patrimony in 1994, Cuba has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Afro-Cuban culture. Through collaboration with over two dozen governmental and non-governmental organizations, Cuba has established a dedicated committee to oversee this important work.
The Cuban committee, presided over by Dr. Miguel Barnet and coordinated by Dr. Jesús Guanche, both esteemed members of the Fernando Ortiz Foundation, serves as a unifying force for institutions and individuals involved in the preservation and celebration of Afro-Cuban culture. This collaborative effort encompasses a wide range of stakeholders, including museums, schools, universities, research centers, archives, artists, cultural community projects, immigrants’ associations, and descendants, among others.
At the core of the committee’s mandate are six working groups, each focused on a specific aspect of their mission:
- Deepening Scientific Research: The committee is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of enslaved people and slavery, delving into historical records, and conducting research to shed light on this critical aspect of Cuba’s past.
- Educational Materials: Recognizing the importance of educating present and future generations about the legacy of slavery, the committee is actively involved in developing curricular and educational materials aimed at integrating this history into all levels of education.
- Promoting African Contributions: A key focus of the committee is to highlight the enduring contributions of Africa and its diaspora to Cuban culture, emphasizing the lasting impact of these influences on the nation’s identity.
- Cultures and Expressions: The committee actively promotes living cultures and artistic and spiritual expressions related to enslaved people and slavery, ensuring that these vital aspects of Afro-Cuban heritage are celebrated and preserved.
- Archival Preservation: Recognizing the significance of oral traditions and historical archives in preserving the memory of enslaved people and slavery, the committee is dedicated to safeguarding these invaluable resources for future generations.
- Cultural Patrimony: To preserve tangible links to the history of slavery, the committee conducts inventories and works to safeguard cultural patrimony and sites of memory associated with enslaved people and slavery, while also promoting heritage tourism centered around these sites.
Through these focused initiatives, the Cuban committee is actively working to ensure that the legacy of Afro-Cuban culture and history is not only preserved but also celebrated and shared with the world. By engaging with diverse stakeholders and addressing multiple facets of this complex heritage, Cuba is taking significant strides in honoring its past while shaping a more inclusive future.
In a world where the echoes of history continue to reverberate through contemporary society, Cuba’s commitment to preserving the memory of enslaved people and slavery stands as a testament to the enduring importance of understanding and acknowledging the past. By embracing this vital aspect of its heritage, Cuba not only honors the resilience and contributions of Afro-Cuban communities but also paves the way for a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of its cultural tapestry.
As the work of the Cuban committee continues to unfold, it serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing journey toward recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences that have shaped our world. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast dedication to preserving Afro-Cuban culture and history, Cuba stands at the forefront of a global movement to confront the legacies of slavery and ensure that these stories are woven into the fabric of our collective memory.