On this episode of the Sports As A Weapon Podcast, Miguel interviews Hakim Jihad and Wells Todd of the US Hands Off Cuba Committee about a recent youth and labor delegation to Cuba. Hakim and Wells Todd discussed the meetings the delegation had with Cuban mass organizations such as CENESEX (Centro Nacional de Educación Sexual), participation in May Day marches, and visits to clinics and Havana’s Calixto García hospital to deliver medical aid amid shortages and blackouts they attribute to the US blockade and new oil restrictions.

Hakim and Wells respond to the Fox News coverage on the delegation and Cuba by arguing that Cuba is framed as a “national security threat” because of post-revolution gains in healthcare, education, LGBTQ rights, and pharmaceuticals, including vaccines and other treatments. Miguel, Hakim and Wells Todd also discuss signs they believe indicate possible US military escalation or even invasion, address the push by the Trump administration to indict Raúl Castro tied to Brothers to the Rescue flights, and outline Hands Off Cuba’s current priorities in their Jacksonville chapter and nationally: “No War on Cuba” organizing, humanitarian aid efforts, and the Let Cuba Play campaign to make sure Cuban athletes can obtain Visas and participate at the 2028 Olympic Games. 

Links:

* Hands Off Cuba Committee Website

* Let Cuba Play Campaign Website 

* Cuba Denounces Devastating Impact of U.S. Blockade on Childhood at UNICEF/teleSUR English  

* Why Students From the U.S. and Around the World Study Medicine in Cuba/Belly of the Beast Cuba (YouTube Video)  

* Coalition Demands ICE-Free World Cup / Cuba activists educate at Los Angeles World Cup / Radio Habana Cuba 

* Why Is the U.S. Targeting Raúl Castro Now? / Belly of the Beast Cuba (YouTube Video)  

* Anti-Fascist Football Coalition Website: https://peoplescenteredhumanrights.com/move-the-games/ 

Miguel Garcia and Comrade E produced this episode. The Sports As A Weapon Podcast is part of the @Anticonquista Media Collective. Subscribe to the ANTICONQUISTA Patreon and follow ANTICONQUISTA on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

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