Black and Cuba

Dr. Robin J. Hayes' documentary records a trip to Cuba taken by a group of African-American studies majors at Yale who are seeking a better understanding of their common ancestry. In addition to their observations, the film features a trio of onscreen hosts (Naomi Lorrain, Nasaun Lineszy, and Rodney “J. Prophet” Reynolds) who define various relevant terms, such as “imperialism.” By way of prologue, Hayes looks first at the history of Yale—which admitted its first black student in 1850—before turning to the history of Cuba, starting with the transatlantic slave trade and ending with the rise of Fidel Castro from freedom fighter to state leader. Along the way, the students also reflect on their status as minorities at Yale, especially those from low-income or one-parent families. In addition, Hayes draws on clips from Vietnam-era documentaries, including 1971's Our Friend Angela, which follows Communist party leader Angela Davis's trip to Cuba, and 1974's Black at Yale, which still speaks to the isolation that Hayes' current subjects feel. In Cuba, where 60% of the population is Afro-Cuban, the students note the lack of chain restaurants, strip malls, and corporate advertising, while also acknowledging the state-approved or propagandistic messaging that saturates Havana—although they are ultimately more impressed by the high literacy and low homicide rates as compared to the U.S. The students come away believing that an end to the Kennedy-era embargo against Cuba is long overdue (currently, efforts are underway to lift the embargo), especially since it has failed to improve human rights for Cuban citizens, whether at home or abroad. An enlightening documentary that compares and contrasts African-American and Afro-Cuban experiences, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)