Yoani Sanchez speaks message of freedom to University

Sanchez also gave a discussion to the audience in Spanish about what she has experienced in her journey.

Consuelo Naranjo/Staff Writer

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Sanchez spoke to students and faculty on Monday, April 1, about Cuba and social media. Roberto Jimenez//FIUSM

Yoani Sánchez, Cuban independent journalist and activist, received the University’s Medallion of Courage on Monday, April 1.

The award recognizes individuals who pursue or defend a noble cause at a personal cost.

Sánchez brought a message of democratization for Cuba to countries in Europe, South America and the United States.

Sanchez left Cuba on Feb. 17 for her first trip to the US after being granted a “white passport” under more lax travel laws Cuban authorities introduced in January 2013. After an 80-day tour around the world, Sánchez made her last stop in Miami before going back to Cuba. In South Florida she visited educational institutions, religious organizations and family.

TIME magazine named Sanchez as one of the world’s 100 most influential people of 2009 for her work promoting freedom of speech, human rights and democratic thought on her blog, Generación Y.

On Generación Y and her personal Twitter account Sanchez chronicles her life in Cuba and her dissatisfaction with the Castro regime.

New technologies, the Internet, social media and networks, political change, freedom of expression and human rights were topics of conversation and debate at the event.

After receiving recognitions from the University and Miami Dade County authorities, Sánchez started her speech by reaffirming the importance of technology and social media for the acceleration of Cuba’s democratization.

“Internet has helped us to share with the world what is happening in my country,” Sanchez said.

University President Mark B. Rosenberg also reinforced the importance of Sánchez’s visit.

“Our University is a symbol of hope and freedom. Sánchez is the leader fighting for freedom in Cuba,” Rosenberg said. “She is a courageous lady, she found the way to establish a voice for the opposition; Sánchez is a real leader.”

Dean of SJMC Raul Reis supported the importance of promoting freedom in the world.

“Freedom of the press and expression is essential not only in the U.S but in abroad as well,” Reis said. “More information you get the better in terms of having a more compressive view of the world. Social media has a new part in this new technology to develop and encourage more communication between us.”

Sanchez also narrated a brief story of when Hurricane Sandy devastated Cuba, as a consequence people suffered from emotional and financial struggles.

“In 2012 a hurricane hit my country, the damage was imminent; however cell phones and social networks such as Twitter allow us to promote a campaign to help the most in need. Twitter used #solidaridadconoriente to spread the news around the world,” Sanchez said.

Sánchez ended the conference answering some questions from the audience and constantly emphasized how new technology devices and the Internet have become her shields against the Cuban dictatorship.

“Every process of democratization comes with pain; however, somehow I feel protected by the armor of technology,” Sánchez said. “Cuba is a long route full of pain, but we are not alone”

The event closed with the audience chanting “freedom for Cuba” and reciting the country’s national anthem.

The School of Latin American and Caribbean Center, the Cuban Research Institute and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications organized the event and it took place at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. More than 540 people including students, faculty and staff, media and residents from Miami Dade County attended and participated from Yoani Sánchez public appearance.

“We want to make from this event an honest and open conversation,” said Jorge Duany, professor and director of the Cuban Research Institute. “FIU has the compromise to fight for the universal right of freedom of speech and media.”

The event was transmitted live in Spanish by Univision with simultaneous translation in English.

“I am really excited not just because of the honors that I had receive, but for the people’s support,” Sanchez said.

consuelo.naranjo@fiusm.com