• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • e-Catalog
  • Gift Catalog
  • Donate
  • Register Now
  • Contact Us
Call Us: 800-487-1074
Global Volunteers
  • Countries
    • International Partnerships:
      • China
      • Cook Islands
      • Cuba
      • Ecuador
      • Greece
      • Italy (Sicily)
      • Nepal
      • Peru
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • St Lucia
      • Tanzania
      • Vietnam
    • USA Programs:
      • Aguadilla – Puerto Rico
      • Blackfeet Reservation – Montana
      • Española – New Mexico
      • Rio Grande Valley – Texas
  • Projects
    • Community Work Projects
      • Delivering Essential Services
      • Teaching Conversational English
      • Supporting Community Development
      • Supplementing School-Based Curricula
      • View All Community Work Projects
  • Dates & Fees
    • Seasonal
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Monthly
      • January
      • February
      • March
      • April
      • May
      • June
      • July
      • August
      • September
      • October
      • November
      • December
      • All Service Program Dates
  • Give
    • Giving Options:
      • Donate Now
      • Changemakers Club
      • Gift Catalog
      • Ways to Give
      • Philanthropy
  • Impact
  • News
  • Request Information
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Cultures and Traditions Cuba

Can Volunteerism Help Heal Ethnic Divisions in Cuba?

healing ethnic divisions in Cuba

Of the many similarities between the U.S. and Cuba, one of the more serious social problems we share is the historical racial divide between black and white citizens.  The Creole, African, and Spanish descendants who have, over six centuries, built a rich and soulful Cuban culture, don’t share the same economic and educational opportunities on the island equally. But, as in all of the Americas, these injustices have their roots in slavery, and are slow to be recognized. Can Americans and Cubans work together to heal ethnic divisions in Cuba?  What role does volunteerism have in advancing racial reconciliation?

Comparing the History of Slavery in Cuba and the U.S.

By the time the first large group of slaves were brought to the North American colony of Jamestown, Virginia in 1619, slave trafficking had surged under the British occupation of Havana. Sugar production grew, becoming Cuba’s number one slave-produced crop.  In both countries, slaves took on the form of property and had no rights. In 1880, seventeen years after the Emancipation Proclamation in the U.S., Spain approved an abolition law in Cuba. In 1886,  slavery was abolished in Cuba by Spanish royal decree that also made an indentured servitude system, known as “patronato, ” illegal.

But just as in the U.S., emancipation did not equal equality. Former slaves were discriminated against by businesses and in employment. Black children were not allowed to attend school. All of the issues that follow slavery were very prevalent.  So, Afro-Cubans embraced Fidel Castro’s Revolution,  and Castro embraced them.  In 1959, Castro asserted:

“We shouldn’t have to pass a law to establish a right that should belong to every human being and member of society. Nobody can consider themselves to be of pure race, much less a superior race. Virtue, personal merit, heroism, generosity, should be the measure of men, not skin color. What the eternal enemies of Cuba and the enemies of this revolution want is for us to be divided into a thousand pieces, thereby to be able to destroy us.”

 

healing ethnic divides in Cuba

Cubans of varied heritage populate a country of color.

The Castro regime formally outlawed racism in its Revolution, and took many steps to reverse institutionalized segregation at beach clubs, in schools and in neighborhoods, where the homes of wealthy white Cubans who fled were often given to Cubans of color. Now, as the country enters a new era of fast and sweeping change, a long-taboo political conversation about race is confronted in art, music, film, and writing in diverse circles.  In fact, President Barack Obama acknowledged a common legacy of racism in the U.S. and Cuba on his historic visit to Havana in March, 2016. Perhaps in some ways, Cuba has been more progressive than the U.S. in defying discrimination.

Different Opportunities in Tourism and Volunteerism

In the early 20th Century, Cuban tourism heavily catered to the romanticized ideals of Americans and Europeans, producing new jobs and training opportunities. But the economic divide between races has nevertheless widened. As tourism has grown and become more lucrative — a day’s tips can surpass a month’s pay from the government — the staffs of hotels and restaurants have become less representative of the Cuban population.  Jobs offering greater income, with direct contact with tourists, are offered disproportionately to “white Cubans.”

Racism in Cuba

Hotel worker in Cuba.

Ultimately, in the case of tourism, the job force hasn’t met Fidel Castro’s goal of equal opportunity. If tourism opens up to Americans, perhaps the added demand will require hotel and restaurant managers to diversify the workplace. Meanwhile in the informal tourist economy, pressures to provide additional rooms and meals have enabled home owners to offer “casa particulars” – bed and breakfast establishments – and ” paladars” – home-based restaurants – despite their race.

But, volunteerism may promote egalitarianism even more broadly.  Working together, we demonstrate that Cubans and Americans – of all colors and backgrounds, are alike, and can work toward a common goal.

economic opportunity ethnic divisions in Cuba

New laws on private enterprise in Cuba has nouished sprawling reseller street markets.

Volunteerism has been used as a vehicle for racial reconciliation for years in the southern U.S.  Primarily faith-based communities have reached out across ethnic divides to repair decades of mistrust and to elevate discussions around justice and equal rights.

Properly administered volunteer programs equalize the relationship between local people and outside volunteers who work on a common goal. Volunteerism can create an atmosphere of acceptance and equity which invites others in – to unite entire communities. In the case of Global Volunteers’ work in Cuba, our stated shared vision with our community partners is “to build a bridge of understanding and respect between our countries.”  The service projects are vehicles for accomplishing that.  No one culture, race, ethnic heritage or gender has superiority in this quest. It is here – in our daily work – that divisions are erased, and true racial equality is illuminated.  It may be the one clear road to peace.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Pocket
November 17, 2016/by Michele Gran
Tags: Volunteer impact
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DSCF2418.jpg 1125 1500 Michele Gran https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Michele Gran2016-11-17 12:59:352017-03-07 17:12:09Can Volunteerism Help Heal Ethnic Divisions in Cuba?
You might also like
Service-Learning for Pharmacy Students in Montana
teaching English to Vietnamese studentsTeaching English to Vietnamese Students is an Act of Love for Vietnam Vet
Leverage Your Professional Experience to Enrich the Lives of Others Abroad
The Dimensions of PovertyFirst Service Program at a Shanty Town in Peru
best volunteer programs in South America“Look mom! That’s my hand!”
A Different Holiday StoryA Different Holiday Story in Peru
summer day at PPAChristmas in Peru
Thank You from our Cuba Program Partner
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Partner Communities

  • China (62)
  • Cook Islands (44)
  • Cuba (112)
  • Ecuador (89)
  • Greece (70)
  • Italy (52)
  • Montana (50)
  • Nepal (20)
  • New Mexico (2)
  • Peru (110)
  • Poland (97)
  • Portugal (44)
  • Puerto Rico (2)
  • South Dakota (8)
  • St Lucia (56)
  • Tanzania (230)
  • Texas (5)
  • Vietnam (33)

Categories

  • Classroom Assistance (8)
  • Conversational English (94)
  • Cultures and Traditions (136)
  • Development Impact (121)
  • Family Volunteering (61)
  • Free Time Options (79)
  • Group Volunteering (19)
  • News and Updates (146)
  • Partners' Stories (16)
  • Projects for Professionals (23)
  • Reaching Children's Potential (237)
  • Ripple Effect (7)
  • Service-Learning (49)
  • Staff Worldwide (26)
  • Volunteer Voices (683)
  • Why I Give (18)

Tags

American Indian culture Care for children Caribbean island College groups Conversational English Cuba people-to-people development impact Earthbox gardens Essential Services food insecurity Funding your fee gender equality Health and nutrition High school groups Labor projects retiree volunteers Spring break student volunteer summer volunteer program support children Support women teaching children teaching english team leader things to do peru top places to visit peru tourism cook islands tours peru travel peru volunteer benefits Volunteer impact volunteer time off work on reservations Work with youth youth volunteering

Get Global Volunteers News Here!

Enter your email address to receive fresh new posts in your inbox.

  • About Us
  • Boards of Directors and Advisors
  • US and International Staff
  • Our Beginnings
  • Our Vision
  • Community Partners
  • Collaborators
  • Compare Us
  • Volunteer Vacations FAQs
  • Accountability and Agreements
  • Travel Risks
  • Impact and Outcomes of Service
  • Donate to Global Volunteers
  • Donate to a Volunteer
  • Money Matters – Explaining Your Service Program Contribution
  • Discounts & Fundraising
  • Alumni Center
  • Covid-19 Policy
  • News/Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Agreements
  • Site Map
  • Contact
  • Podcast
  • Volunteer Portal
  • Employment
Global Volunteers
375 East Little Canada Road
St. Paul, MN 55117-1628 USA
(800) 487-1074 | toll-free
(651) 482-0915 | fax
globalvolunteers.org
email@globalvolunteers.org
Federal EIN: 36-3352680

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST!

Subscribe to receive updates, new blog posts, and inspiring stories from our work around the world.

Global Volunteers - Partners in Development ® | © Copyright 2002 - Present Global Volunteers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Global Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. Our tax ID is 36-3352680. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law.
  • Send feedback about this web site and its administration.
Cheap and Awesome Touring Destinations in PeruCheap domestic flights in PeruInternet access in CubaInternet Access in Cuba
Scroll to top