US-based organizations, artists and academics have issued a call for solidarity with Cuba in opposition to the longstanding embargo and a new executive order introduced by former US President Donald Trump.
Cuba, which has resisted the US embargo for 67 years, has faced serious problems with its energy resources in recent days. After moving to take control of Venezuelan oil, Trump announced new tariffs at the end of January aimed at preventing countries from selling or supplying oil to Cuba.
Describing these measures as an act of terror rather than diplomacy, US artists, scientists, politicians and executives launched a petition campaign titled “Let Cuba Live.”
“This policy is unconscionable. It deepens a humanitarian crisis of our own making. Cuba poses no threat to the United States. Starving a population into submission is not diplomacy; it is a form of terrorism.
We call on all people of conscience to reject this cruelty and demand an immediate end to the blockade. For over 30 years, the UN General Assembly has voted annually, with an overwhelming majority, to condemn the US embargo on Cuba. Trump must carry out his foreign policy with respect to the wishes of the people of the United States and in accordance with international law.
We, the people of the United States, want to have normal relations with Cuba, treat Cuba with equality and respect, and most importantly to see Cuba and the Cuban people as our neighbors and not our enemies.
Let Cuba Live! Cuba is not a Threat!”
The campaign emphasizes that restricting oil shipments to the country could further worsen energy shortages, power outages, and disruptions in the distribution of food and medical supplies. Signatories describe the presidential decision not as a targeted national security measure, but as a punishment inflicted on an entire society.
Among those who signed the statement are prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, music and literature, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon, musician Roger Waters, writer Alice Walker, actor and former White House staffer Kal Penn, actor and model Indya Moore, rapper Vic Mensa, director Boots Riley and artist Saul Williams.
A significant number of elected officials, particularly from New York, have also expressed support for the campaign. Signatories include New York City Council members Alexa Avilés, Chi Ossé, Christopher Marte, Crystal Hudson, Farah Louis, Julie Won, Nantasha Williams, Pierina Sanchez, Sandy Nurse, Shahana Hanif, Shekar Krishnan and Tiffany Cabán. New York State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly members Claire Valdez and Diana Moreno also joined the initiative. Outside New York, Georgia State Representative Gabriel Sanchez and Santa Ana City Council member Ben Vazquez are among the supporters.
The list additionally includes numerous academics from universities such as New York University, Columbia University, Yale University, Cornell University, Duke University, the University of Illinois Chicago and Brooklyn College. Notable names include Professor Greg Grandin (Yale University), Professor Michael Hardt (Duke University), Professor Corey Robin (Brooklyn College) and Professor Andrew Ross (NYU).
