Roots of Hope, Miami Freedom Project with a coalition of artists and activists launch campaign to draw attention to the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Cuba ahead of unprecedented peaceful protests
Miami, November 14, 2021 — In light of the unprecedented and historic peaceful protests in Cuba planned for November 15th, Roots of Hope, a nonprofit focused on empowering Cuban youth to become the authors of their own futures, and the Miami Freedom Project, a nonprofit transforming Miami’s political culture by advocating for climate, economic, health, immigrant, and racial justice, are launching a campaign entitled “Be a Voice for Cuba.”
The “Be A Voice for Cuba” campaign includes a 60 second video produced by the acclaimed Wieden+Kennedy advertising firm and aims to draw attention and garner resources for the broad-based, diverse, pluralistic movement of Cuban artists, activists and entrepreneurs that are advocating for human rights and democratic change in Cuba.
“We are taking our lead from the diverse chorus of Cuban people who are lifting their voices in favor of freedom,” said Ana Sofia Pelaez, co-founder of the Miami Freedom Project.
On Nov. 15th, the Cuban group known as Archipiélago (Archipelago) called for nationwide peaceful protests across Cuba. Multiple attempts by organizers to request permission for these marches were rejected and labeled as “illegal” and “unconstitutional” by the regime.
“As members of the Cuban American diaspora, it is our responsibility to support the Cuban people in their quest to determine the future of their own country,” said Felice Gorordo, co-founder of Roots of Hope.
Following the historic protests of July 11, 2021, for the first time since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cubans in fifty different cities across the island peacefully marched to demand change. Cuban artists, activists, entrepreneurs and everyday people called for “freedom,” “down with the dictatorship,” and relief from decades of suffering, openly holding the Cuban government accountable for its failures.
The GivetoCuba.org site was launched in July 2021 by Roots of Hope and Miami Freedom Project and a coalition of artists and activists to support organizations directly helping Cuban families on the island during this time of great need. Roots of Hope and Miami Freedom Project also organized and published a petition in the Miami Herald on July 15, 2021, which amassed more than two thousand signatures and included notable signatories such as Grammy award winning artist Gloria Estefan. The petition called on President Biden, and other world leaders including Pope Francis, to stand with the Cuban people and peacefully intercede in support of their freedom. On July, 30, 2021, Roots of Hope and Miami Freedom Project met with President Biden at the White House to directly petition the Biden-Harris Administration on Cuba.
For more information, visit GiveToCuba.org
About Roots of Hope
Founded in 2003, Roots of Hope is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering Cuban youth to become the authors of their own futures through technology and entrepreneurship. For more information, visit RootsofHope.org
About Miami Freedom Project
Founded in 2020, Miami Freedom Project is a nonprofit transforming Miami’s political culture by advocating for climate, economic, health, immigrant, and racial justice. For more information, visit MiamiFreedomProject.org
