Cuban Diplomats Meet Leftist Activists in Atlanta, August 2023

On August 22, 2023, two high-ranking Cuban diplomats, Alejandro García del Toro and Gabriela Castillo Rodriguez, engaged with leftist activists and union leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, organized by Radio Free Georgia, aimed to discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and its detrimental effects. The Atlanta chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America shared images from the meeting, expressing their honor in learning from the diplomats about Cuba's situation. During the gathering, the diplomats highlighted the negative impact of the U.S.-imposed economic blockade, which they claimed has persisted for over 60 years. They also emphasized Cuba's advancements in healthcare and education, as well as its history of international solidarity. The audience, particularly the youth, responded positively to calls for increased support to end the blockade. Despite the focus on the embargo, the diplomats did not address the internal issues within Cuba, such as the government's mismanagement and human rights abuses. These omissions are significant, as they contribute to the ongoing struggles faced by the Cuban population, including extreme poverty and a severe migrant crisis. The meeting in Atlanta is part of a broader trend of interactions between U.S. leftist groups and Cuban officials. Previous events included visits by U.S. students to Havana and meetings with members of Congress, indicating a growing interest in fostering ties with the Cuban regime among certain political factions in the U.S.