Ep 2. Cuba: The Next Revolution

Black in Latin America season 1 episode 2, titled "Cuba: The Next Revolution," takes the audience on a journey through Cuba's fascinating history and its complex relationship with race and identity. Host and Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the Afro-Cuban experience and the struggles and triumphs of the island's black population.

The episode begins with an overview of Cuba's complicated past, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade and the struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the ways in which race and identity intersect with Cuba's political, cultural, and economic systems. At the heart of the episode is the story of the Afro-Cuban experience, including the contributions of black Cubans to the island's music, art, and literature.

One of the key themes in the episode is the legacy of the Cuban Revolution and its impact on black Cubans. Gates speaks with a range of experts and activists who offer different perspectives on the Revolution's promises of equality and the reality of ongoing racial disparities. The episode features interviews with Afro-Cuban artists, musicians, and intellectuals who discuss their own experiences with racism and their hopes for a more equitable future for all Cubans.

Throughout "Cuba: The Next Revolution," Gates also explores the profound influence of African religions on Cuban culture and identity. He visits a community of Santería practitioners, learning about the religion's origins and its role in shaping Cuban music and dance. This segment offers a glimpse into the richness and complexity of Cuba's Afro-Caribbean heritage, and the importance of African traditions in the island's cultural life.

Overall, Black in Latin America season 1 episode 2 provides a nuanced and insightful look at Cuba's complex racial dynamics. It sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of black Cubans to the island's history and culture, while also offering a sobering critique of ongoing racial inequalities. Whether you're interested in Cuban history, the African diaspora, or the intersections of race and identity, this episode is a must-watch.