In the special exhibition ¡Cuba! you’ll learn about life on the island from those who are experiencing— and influencing—this national period of transition. Here are just a few of the Cuban citizens who shared their thoughts and voices with us.
Francisco “Chichío” Griñan Sánchez Director, La Campana Folkloric Company, Holguín, Cuba
In Cuba, I am not afraid of anything, of any change. I don’t have to live with the changes because I make the changes, and I myself am the change.
Mirta Roque Hairdresser, Havana, Cuba
There is so much speculation about this country, and people really don’t know anything about it. If people were to come, it might change their minds about the country and its people.
Nomi Ramirez Activist, Cuban National Center for Sex Education, Havana, Cuba
It’s strange to think about what defines you. I think that more than anything, the kindness, warmth, the preparedness that we have is what defines us as Cubans.
Katherine Acevedo Ballet Dancer, Camagüey, Cuba
Here, as we are, we can do anything. You are not hindered or anything. What you have to do is fight and work and go for it. I would want to have my own ballet school or my own company—so that others can keep on dancing, to make their dreams come true.
Pablo “Pollo” Riverón Musician, Santa Clara, Cuba
Changes are taking place, yes. But at times I don’t know if they are good or bad. For instance, I don’t want my country to turn into an extremely capitalist country. Cuban society is suffering, it’s becoming consumerist, without having anything to consume.
All images © AMNH/L. Mathieu-Léger
Learn more about Cuban life in ¡Cuba!, which is open to the public now and free for Members.
A version of this story originally appeared in the winter 2017 issue of Rotunda, the Member magazine.