OSPAAAL and Cuban Support for Black Americans

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Black Power, Alfredo González Rostgaard, 1968, Nabb Research Center, SC2020.014

In 1966, representatives from countries across Latin America, Asia, and Africa came together in Havana, Cuba, for the first Tricontinental Conference. From this initial meeting came the formation of the Organización de Solidaridad con los Pueblos de Asia, África y América Latina (OSPAAAL). The new organization launched a propaganda campaign that included posters designed to spread their message of anti-capitalism and anti-American imperialism around the world.

The majority of the posters produced by OSPAAAL were designed and printed in Cuba and distributed internationally through the Tricontinental magazine. A common theme was solidarity and a call to action of oppressed people around the world, including African Americans. After the Cuban Revolution, the Cuban government openly criticized the United States for failing to address institutionalized racism. Cuba provided refuge to multiple black activists and members of the Black Panthers. While OSPAAAL and Cuba supported Black Americans, they were critical of the Civil Rights movement for not opposing American imperialism.

Racism and Equality
Support for Black Americans