Talking about Race in Cuba: Four Trans-Atlantic African Diaspora Women Share Their Experience

Nataka Moore Nataka Moore,Caridad Morales Nussa Caridad Morales Nussa,Tiffany Mcdowell Tiffany Mcdowell,Mildred Watson Mildred Watson

doi:10.13169/intejcubastud.7.2.0212

Nataka Moore Nataka Moore, Caridad Morales Nussa Caridad Morales Nussa + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.13169/intejcubastud.7.2.0212

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Journal: International Journal of Cuban Studies	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Abstract

Descendants of the African Diaspora have encountered different challenges to well-being within their respective countries. In Cuba, it appears that while the Cuban Revolution attempted to level the outcomes for all citizens, Black Cubans remain marginalised and targets of discrimination. We, three African American and one Black Cuban women researchers, used a roundtable approach to analyse our experiences in Cuba. Using our individual reflections as data, the four of us sought to make meaning of cultural identity and expression within Cuba, and impact on well-being. Implications of this work can inform interventions for well-being of multiple African Diasporic populations in North and South America.

Highlights

Descendants of the African Diaspora have encountered different challenges to wellbeing within their respective countries
He was born to a Black Cuban mother and an African American father who arrived as an American volunteer from South Carolina
The overarching questions we asked were as follows: How are Black Cubans engaged by Cuban society? What are Black Cubans’ perspectives about this engagement? and How does this engagement impact their wellbeing? Our goal was to use this information to gain a better understanding of what are the facilitators and barriers to engagement of Black Cubans that would support their health and well-being

Summary

Introduction

Descendants of the African Diaspora have encountered different challenges to wellbeing within their respective countries. My great grandfather was born in Cuba during the time of Cuba’s independence from Spain in 1899 He was born to a Black Cuban mother and an African American father who arrived as an American volunteer from South Carolina. In his very early years, my great grandfather was raised by his mother in Cuba. An image of Black Cubans gathering in Havana on a Sunday, in their best clothes dancing likely to the rhythms that have contributed to music and dance across the world, he provided commentary that answered my question. Historical trauma can be defined as experiencing trauma due to historical loss (i.e., slavery, loss of culture, land, etc.) as a result of intergenerational transmission with devastating impact on emotional, psychological and behavioural well-being (BrownRice 2014)

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