Inspiration from global resistance and revolution

Tyneisha Bowens WW photo: G. Dunkel

In this time of global capitalist crisis, it is in the struggles and resistance of the oppressed in Colombia, the Philippines, Palestine, Iraq and Nigeria that we can find inspiration to fight imperialist war and global domination. It is in the revolutionary paths of Venezuela and Bolivia and the ongoing process of the Cuban revolution that we can see the possibilities of what a united people can do.

I would like to give you an image of that possibility.

In the summer of 2007 I took a trip with other members of the FIST (Fight Imperialism, Stand Together) youth group and Workers World Party comrades to Cuba to gain political education as well as to see what socialism can bring to the people of the world.

We went to government programs, centers and schools. We visited the School of Marxism, the Center of Sexual Education, and the Hurricane Preparedness and Weather Center in Havana. On these visits we learned about how Cuba ensures the inclusive and analytical education of its people, how they protect themselves from the deadly hurricanes each season, and much more.

I gained the most from our visits to the graduation of medical students and our visit to a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution, where I learned the often-unacknowledged effects and gains of revolution.

The class of medical students was a true reflection of the compassion and reach of the Cuban revolution. The graduating class was truly international, with students from almost every oppressed and impoverished country in the world, as well as eight students of color from the U.S. Their education was not only free—which means for them a life without student debt—but it was focused on treating the poor and oppressed of the world with preventative healthcare.

With the economic struggles that the U.S. has forced on the Cuban people, Cuba is still able to educate doctors from around the world and send doctors to countries in need of medical aid. This is an example of human nature and international community that we can aspire to.

On July 26th, a revolutionary holiday for the Cuban people, we visited a local CDR. There are CDRs in neighborhoods all over Cuba that provide a way for the Cuban people to stay politically involved, informed and empowered in their communities and in their government. This is where elections and meetings about the law, the government and the ongoing revolution take place.

We were welcomed to a party of celebration and endurance at the CDR. I was fed until I was full and was invited to listen to first-hand stories of revolutionary battles and the progress that the revolution has achieved.

I was amazed by the power and political presence of the children. An Afro-Cuban girl stated her life goal of being a doctor, with full confidence that she would achieve this goal. I was empowered by an old woman’s claims that she would defend her revolution and her country with the spoon in her hand if she had to. This is hope and dedication we must use to drive our revolution.

The lessons we can learn are many. I have learned the importance of solidarity and compassion from Cuba, of struggle from Venezuela, of community from Palestine. And from all revolutionary struggles around the world I have learned the importance of passing on our revolutionary passions to each generation.

Be sure to hold on to the points that bring you inspiration, empower your fists and overwhelm your hearts. These are the fuels of revolution here and abroad, and we must hold fast to them.