Dear National Network On Cuba Member Friends,
We are horrified and outraged at yet another mass murder in the United States. While we mourn for the victims, their families and the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Fla., we also stand in solidarity with the necessary struggle against racism, against Islamophobia and bigotry or violence against Arab people, as well as homophobia and transphobia. We reject the public discourse that seeks to blame people of the Islamic faith, immigrants, people of color, women and the LGBTQ community for the hardships faced in our communities or uncertainties in our lives.
Most of all, we will not be divided. Together we can and will build a better world for all of us.
Especially for those of us who have visited or lived in socialist Cuba, we are sharply reminded that Cuba has no culture of gun violence. Cuban society values all life and works as a community to promote understanding, tolerance, and love of one’s neighbors. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States of which Cuba is a founding member has declared the area to be a zone of peace and Cuba has provided the venue and assistance to end the more than 60 year long war in Colombia.
We should pause, reflect and denounce the forces of hate and intolerance that have allowed and continue to allow this to happen in the United States.
In solidarity,
NNOC co-chairs
Cheryl LaBash
Banbose Shango
Greg Klave
Alicia Jrapko, Nalda Vigezzi
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 