Models of Anti-Castro Youth

Young, smart and political, Diane Cabrera, 22, and Veronica Nur Valdes, 21, may have been born in the U.S., but they refuse to turn a blind eye to Cuba. They talk big about the island and what they can do to help the situation. "We’ve woken up to our role in the history of Cuba," said Valdes. "There’s an injustice being committed in Cuba and we’ll do anything no matter how big or small to stop it." Cabrera adds: "We’re fighting for what’s right, to bring out the truth." Both work for Directorio Democratico Cubano, a federally-funded non-profit that documents human rights abuses on the island. They also belong to the anti-Castro youth group Raices de Esperanza. Cabrera, a Georgetown U. grad, has law-school ambitions. Are politics on her horizon? Valdes is an FIU student. Photo: Cabrera, left, Valdes, right.

Comments

[Susie Davenport]

IT's good to see smart, professional, young women getting involved in the cause.

[Eleruto]

Smart and fine. They look as good as arroz and delicious black beans.

[Rey]

It is interesting that both young ladies were not born on the island but still share a passion for it's current political situation. It is enlightening and refreshing to hear the youth's involvement in a helping others which can not help themselves. I commend the young ladies on their efforts.

[guayaba]

If you would like to learn more about Raices de Esperanza, please visit www.raicesdeesperanza.org

[David Caballero]

Doing whatever it takes to get our message heard!!!!!!!!!!! I love you girls!!!

[I stand with the Cuban People]

I commend you ladies on your valiant efforts in educating and mobilizing your generation to help your counterparts that were born under the most unfortunate of circumstances. Juventud Despierta!

[MCH]

It is great to say young Cuban American involvement for a change. It is usually the older generation that continues with the movement, and it is very important for this generation to keep it going.

[Pupi]

Way to go Ladies!!! Its so refreshing to see sophisticated young women being outspoken about their beliefs and convictions. Would love to know more about these organizations!

[Tere]

It is a great thing that Cuban issues are beginning to come out to the public eye. I commend you both for your hard work. Keep it up, you are working toward a very important cause.

[Libertad]

Very inspiring. Never, never, never give up. Adelante!

[Joe]

The struggles waged by nations are weak only when they lack support in the hearts of their women. But when women are moved and lend help, when women, who are by nature calm and controlled, give encouragement and applause, when virtuous and knowledgeable women grace the endeavor with their sweet love, then it is invincible.

Jose Marti

[Carlos]

Hopefully these girls will be the political future in Miami, Florida and the U.S. They seem like the type of people that Miami needs in politics. If there is anything I could do to help with your cause let me know.
Carlos

[Carlos]

Also if you could give me direction on going about joining Directorio Democratico Cubano and Raices de Esperanza, I would really appreciate it.
Carlos

[nuri ferris]

It is encouraging and touching at the same time to see these young women who were not born on the island to feel the need to do something about the situation. I hope they inspire other young men and women to follow their example. I am not Cuban, but I have lived in Miami for many years and I feel for the Cuban people, more now than ever, since I am Venezuelan. I too, wish and hope to see a CUBA LIBRE! and SOON!

Nuri F.

[Phil Pynchon]

This is ridiculous...these two girl think they can help some cause to "save" Cuba. They can preach all they want, but nobody cares. Listen up people: nobody what you do, or how hard you try, it's pointless. We will be forgotten. These two girls want to feel good and help, and they have become a joke, a punchline. They do a little hunger strike, and they think they accomplished something. This world is run by old white men, and nobody can change this. Cuba is a joke, and so are the Cuban-Americans living in Miami. This city is a dump and before you know it, it will be another Cuba.

[Joe]

Phil,

Before one can run, one needs to walk. Before you make dumb comments you need to read carefully. Where in their article does it say that they went on a hunger strike?

There is nothing ridiculous about youthful hope and dreams, many nations have been built upon them. It is people such as you, with the negative look at live that always see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full that become disillusioned and fail or refuse to see the good in others.

Do you have any dreams of sucess and accomplishment? If so, and I hope you do, would you categorize them as ridiculous?

I must admit that the city of Miami has many opportunities for improvement, although, it seems as if more and more people are moving to the city. The housing market is climbing rapidly and will continue to do so in the long run. Go figure, it must not be as bad as some people think.

Also, let’s not forget that the city of Miami is made up of many other nationalities, not just Cubans.

Look around you and if you don't see anything worth staying in Miami for, please pack your bags and move to wherever you will be happiest at. I don't say this with malice, I say it because life is too short not to enjoy to its fullest.