From June 22 to 26, under the slogan Another World is Possible, Another US is Necessary, the United States Social Forum (USSF) will take place in the city of Detroit Michigan. Thousands of participants from all over the world will converge with the great majority being from the U.S. The USSF will provide a space to build relationships, learn from each other's experiences, and share analysis of the struggles that working and poor communities face. The USSF will offer the opportunity to develope leadership, vision, and strategy needed to realize a more just world.
The co-chairs of the National Network on Cuba (NNOC) in the US, together with other groups in solidarity with Cuba, are working to bring issues related to Cuba to this important gathering. Included in this is the struggle to free the Cuban Five political prisoners held in the US, and the significance that their case represents in current US-Cuba relations.
The International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5 will present the art exhibit, From My Altitude; the original paintings of Antonio Guerrero, one of the Cuban Five, serving long sentences in the US for defending their country against terrorism. Through the paintings participants at the USSF will be able to learn about the case of these brave men.
Opening Program:
FROM MY ALTITUDE
Wednesday, June 23, 4 to 6pm
Hosted by SereNgeti Gallery Global Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center 311 E. Grand River in Harmonie Park/Paradise Valley
Sponsored by the Int'l Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five; Michigan Campaign to Free the Cuban Five/ Justice for Cuba Coalition; SereNgeti Gallery Global; COMPAS; Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest; Tyree Guyton; DFA; artist and founder of the Heldelberg Project.
Regular gallery hours 11am-5pm, extended hours during USSF. For more information call 313-355-8566
A number of activities will be taking place at the USSF including an inaugural ceremony and march, plenary sessions, people's assemblies, a film festival and hundreds of workshops covering a wide variety of themes.
The issue of Cuba at the Social Forum will be present at both plenary sessions and workshops with the theme of ending the US blockade against Cuba, the building of a Women's movement in support of Cuba, the Latin American School of Medicine and other topics. The Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban Five together with other groups will present the case of the Cuban Five in several workshops.
Cuban solidarity activists and organizations will have literature tables at the forum with information about the reality of Cuba and the hopeful example that Cuba represents in the world.
Also expected in Detroit will be the participation of important institutions from Cuba. One of the goals of the organizers of the USSF is to better globalize the work of the progressive sectors of the country and the Cuban delegation will be there to share their experiences.
International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5
