In a historic gathering at the José Martí Memorial, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez joined veterans and young leaders to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Association of Young Rebels (AJR) and the 60th anniversary of the Juventud Rebelde newspaper. The event, attended by prominent figures such as Roberto Morales Ojeda, highlighted the enduring legacy of Cuba’s revolutionary youth movements and their media outlets.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of unity and continuity within the revolutionary forces, drawing parallels between the AJR’s founding in 1960 and the establishment of the Juventud Rebelde in 1965. He underscored the significance of these milestones in shaping Cuba’s revolutionary identity and media landscape.
Founders of the AJR, including Amalia Catalá Álvarez and Luis Enrique Colomé Dagnesses, shared personal reflections on the challenges and triumphs of their generation. They praised the current youth for their resilience in the face of modern adversities, such as the sophisticated use of social media by ideological adversaries.
Leaders from the Union of Young Communists (UJC), the Federation of University Students (FEU), and the Federation of High School Students (FEEM) also spoke, detailing their efforts to engage young people in discussions on critical issues like the U.S. blockade, drug prevention, and community service.
Juana Carrasco Martín, a National Journalism Award winner, and Raciel Guanche Ledesma, a young reporter for Juventud Rebelde, discussed the evolving role of media in fostering critical thinking and community engagement. Yurisander Guevara, deputy director of Juventud Rebelde, highlighted the transformative impact of recent events on the UJC’s media strategy.
Díaz-Canel concluded the meeting by reflecting on the UJC’s motto, ‘Study, Work, and Rifle,’ urging young Cubans to embrace their revolutionary heritage, contribute to the nation’s development, and defend their sovereignty. He reaffirmed the necessity of socialism as the path to Cuba’s independence and prosperity, calling for collective participation and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.