12 Days of Solidarity

Exile groups are lining up events for what's being dubbed "Twelve Days of World Solidarity for Cuba: Toward the Republic," a campaign to support political activism in Cuba.

The events are part of the "Non cooperation with the dictatatorship" campaign, an effort that began last year to get Cubans on the island to resist the government. The events honor Pedro Luis Boitel, a former political prisoner. Here's a partial listing of events planned so far:

Saturday, May 17, 2008:
9:30 a.m.: "Twelve Days of Solidarity with Cuba: Toward the Republic" Breakfast hosted by (M.A.R. por Cuba).
Location: Big Five Club, 600 SW 92 Ave.

2:00 p.m.: Presentation of a book by former Cuban political prisoner Ernesto Díaz Rodríguez
Location: Koubek Center, 2705 SW 3 Street.

Sunday, May 18, 2008:

10:30 a.m.: Rosary prayer gathering and Procession in support of the Ladies in White and Cuban political prisoners (M.A.R. por Cuba)
Location: Ermita de la Caridad, 3609 S. Miami Avenue

7:00 p.m.: "Martí Should Not Have Died:" A Patriotic Evening sponsored by Cuban Unity.
Location: Artime Theater, 900 SW 1st St , # 100

Monday, May 19, 2008:
10:30 a.m.: Memorial to José Martí: Pilgrimage and floral offering
Location: Cuban Martyrs Mausoleum, Woodlawn Park Cementary, 3260 SW 8 Street

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
6:00 p.m.:  "Toward the Republic" Forum
Location: Tower Theater, 1508 SW 8 Street

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Cuba Solidarity Day
6:00 pm  Weekly rosary prayer gathering
(M.A.R. por Cuba)
Place: Ermita de la Caridad

8:00 pm Vigil and candle-lit procession for the freedom of Cuban political prisoners (Plantados)
Location: Versailles Restaurant, 3555 SW 8 Street

Saturday, May 24, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Distribution of information on the Non-Cooperation with the Dictatorship Campaign and "Twelve Days of World Solidarity with Cuba: Toward the Republic." (Various organizations)
Location: SW 8th Street and 27th Avenue

Sunday, May 25,  2008

10:00 a.m.: Mass for the repose of Pedro Luis Boitel - Closing of "Twelve Days of World Solidarity for Cuba: Toward the Republic"
Location: St. Juan Bosco Church, 1328 NW 3 Avenue

For more information call 1-877-303-YONO or check out their web site.

- Frances Robles