Exploring Cuba

Exploring Cuba: Erasing Fears Through Multicultural Education details the cultural and professional exchanges to Cuba organized by the National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME) between 2015 and 2019, with additional reflections on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Cuba-U.S. relations. Because of the long-imposed U.S. embargo, or blockade, access to information about life in Cuba can be limited in the U.S. This book chronicles first-hand account of NAME's trips to Cuba over a 5-year period. Interspersed with insights from U.S.-based multicultural educators, authors and Cuban delegates, it documents what NAME members learned about Cuba's people, history, health care system, culture, arts, and education systems. It also explores the effects of the coronavirus global pandemic on Cuba and its vital tourist industry, as well as the July 2021 protests and aftermath, including a new wave of immigration to the U.S. The book argues for the end of the U.S. embargo with Cuba and the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, so that unrestricted tourism and trade can benefit both countries. Combining travelogue observations with statistics and scholarly accounts, this volume will be useful reading for scholars and students of Multicultural Education, International Education and Comparative Education. It will also be beneficial to educators and Cuba solidarity activists.

Bette Tate-Beaver was the executive director of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). She led six "cultural and professional exchanges" of U.S. educators to Cuba throughout her career. Lewis W. Diuguid is a certified diversity facilitator, news media consultant, author, freelance writer and lecturer. He is a founding member, newsletter editor and treasurer of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists.

Foreword Introduction and Dedication: Bette Tate-Beaver, NAME's Cuba Delegation Architect 1. Learning About Cuba, Step by Step 2. Embracing a Nation of "We" from a Country of "Me" 3. The Focus in Cuba is on Its People 4. Reading & Writing - Gifts of the Revolution 5. Cuba's Ongoing Struggle Against Colonialism Photo Section 6. Discovering Hidden Treasures in Cuba 7. When in Cuba, Live as the Cubans Do 8. Cuban Revolution's Threat to Corporatocracy 9. Cubans' Amazing Talents, Accomplishments 10. U.S. Embargo/Blockage of Cuba Must End Afterword References Index