Support for Cuba in its struggle against the criminal economic, commercial, financial and energy blockade imposed by the United States was the focus of a workshop at the annual “Left Coast Forum,” held at California State University, Los Angeles, from October 2 to 4.
At this solidarity-focused event, discussions centered on how to organize more donations for Cuba as a way to defy the White House’s unilateral coercive measures, building on a campaign driven by the organization Global Health Partners and the “Hands-Off Cuba” Committee.
Participants received updates on recent measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration—specifically the signing of two presidential decrees in 2026 and Cuba’s inclusion on the unilateral and spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism—which have intensified previously existing sanctions.
Labor activist Mark Friedman, a member of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local 1484 and the Los Angeles “Hands-Off Cuba” Committee, noted that several speakers highlighted the importance of delivering medicines and solar technology to the Caribbean island to help transform its energy matrix.
Speakers also addressed the Cuban people’s resistance to the harsh measures enacted by Trump’s far-right government, which have blocked fuel shipments for over ten months. They discussed the administration’s warmongering threats of invasion and its use of hegemonic pressure to force a change in political power in Cuba — a prospect the Cuban people find inconceivable, according to Friedman. Furthermore, participants shared examples of recent trips to the country where they witnessed the reality of life in Cuba firsthand and contrasted it with the media campaigns—driven by both mainstream outlets and social media—aimed at discrediting the Cuban political process.
The event featured workshops addressing a range of other issues, such as Israel’s war on Gaza, the fight against ICE raids and the defense of immigrants, demands for housing for the homeless, universal healthcare, and the economic and political crisis of capitalism.
The event was held in a hybrid format—combining in-person attendance with online participation for those located further away who wished to share their testimonies—drawing broad participation from across U.S. society among those dissatisfied with the current U.S. government’s anti-popular and neoliberal policies.
All of this also serves to plan further actions that unite organizations and movements amidst the current situation in the United States, enabling them to challenge government irrationality and secure guarantees for the people in pursuit of a better society.
IMAGE CREDIT: Left Coast Forum: Solidarity with Cuba
