As the conflict continues to unfold in Cuba, Miamians organized an impromptu concert to show their solidarity and voice their support for Cuban protesters.
On Wednesday, July 14, various Cuban-American celebrities residing in Miami including Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom from Gente de Zona, Enrique Santos and Lazaro Mendez aka DJ Laz, came together to organize a solidarity concert in support for Cuban protesters who broke in protest to demand freedom and the end of the Cuban communist regime earlier this week on Sunday, July 11.
Thousands of Cubans across the country have gathered on the streets to demand freedom and the end of the communist government amid shortages of food, basic necessities and vaccines and the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. The situation has only been exacerbated by a severe rebound of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
In Miami, thousands of people have also gathered on the streets to denounce the current communist regime in Cuba and to call for international help for the Cuban people. “The Cuban people are on the streets, so Miami will too.”
The thousands of peaceful protesters and celebrities were also joined by members of Miami PD who blocked off traffic and joined in on the protests leaving powerful images of unity and peace behind.
Protesters began gathering on 8th St. and 36th Ave. near Versailles Restaurant on Wednesday around 5 p.m. after police blocked off traffic in the area.
There they were joined by Gente de Zona, Enrique Santos and DJ Laz for a solidarity concert.
Miami officials were also present at the protest including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Miami PD chief Art Acevedo.
Chief Acevedo starred in one of the most moving and emotional moments of yesterday’s protest when he knelt to console a couple of protesters who were visibly upset.
Later he also joined protesters as they walked down the street as yesterday’s protests came to a close.
Featured image by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP