January 17, 2018
Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler
Office of the Historian
City Of Havana, Cuba
Dear Dr. Leal;
The National Network on Cuba (NNOC) in the United States, its members, and co-chairs are honored to receive your invitation to participate in the ceremony unveiling the equestrian statue of José Martí on the 165th anniversary of his birth. We also note the contributions of the Cuban students in the annual March of the Torches which keep Marti’s ideas alive and relevant in his beloved homeland.
It is fitting that the original statue is situated at the entrance to Central Park in New York City and is inscribed: “Apostle of Cuban Independence, Leader of the Peoples of America and defender of human dignity.” By seeing this so prominently placed, the people of the United States and visitors to Central Park have the opportunity to learn about the history, intellect and dedication to social justice of Cuba’s national hero who spent 15 years in the United States.
We applaud the work and vision of the Bronx, New York, Museum of the Arts to recognize the importance of this statue and its cultural significance as a symbol of friendship between the people of the United States and our Cuban brothers and sisters and their fruitful collaboration with the Historian’s office. We are humbled to have played a small role in sharing the opportunity to bring this statue to Havana.
While we will not be present physically with you on January 28, 2018, we will be with you in spirit and look forward to seeing the statue in Havana and reflecting on the eternal bonds of friendship and justice that we share with the Cuban people.
NNOC co-chairs
Banbose Shango
Alicia Jrapko
Cheryl LaBash
Gail Walker
Nalda Vigezzi
