A number of events are taking place in South Florida this weekend, as residents continue to show support for the protests taking place in Cuba.
A land and sea rally for Cuba at the Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard took place Saturday. Miami PD has closed off Biscayne Boulevard from N.E. 6th Street to N.E. 8th Street to traffic.
Several artists appeared at the rally to raise their voices as they stand in solidarity with the Cuban people fighting for freedom on the island.
“We need intervention,” protestor David Jover said. “That’s my message.”
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“It’s only gotten worse since I left,” he said.
Since protests erupted on the island, internet has been down or spotty.
Jover says he can’t reach his family there.
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“I don’t even know if my family and my friends are okay,” he said. “What am I supposed to do with this? This is the only thing I can do.”
Ileana Quincosa can’t reach her family either.
“They’re killing them,” Quincosa said. “They’re mutilating them. They’re silencing them. They’re telling them if they speak up, they will kill them.”
“We’re free to speak, but they are not,” protestor Maritza Parrios-Pereira said. “So, I have to come here and do it for them.”
Videos were played during the rally, showing police in Cuba arresting people in their homes and on the streets.
Protestors also took to the water with a smaller rally held behind the FTX arena.
The Freedom Tower has stood as a symbol of hope and freedom in Miami for many immigrants who once sought citizenship in South Florida.
“You will see images that we’ve gotten access to from people in Cuba,” he said. “You will hear voice notes of people in Cuba talking directly to the exile community, talking to the international community and to all of their brothers and sisters out here — whoever can be an echo for their cry for liberty.”
Organizers are encouraging all members of the Miami community to join.
On Sunday, July 18, members of the community will be holding the "Estamos Contigo" Cuba March.
The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Jose Marti Memorial at 861 SW 13th Avenue in Miami and participants will walk to the Little Havana mural.
Organizers are asking that participants wear white and bring their Cuban flags, posters and banners.
Also, on Sunday, July 18, a family friendly 'Niños For Cuba' rally in Tropical Park will take place at 5 p.m.
Tropical Park is located at 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155.
And nearly 300 people boarded buses in Grapeland Park on Friday and headed to Washington, D.C to bring a “show of love” for the cause of Cuban freedom.
Once in Washington, D.C., protesters’ plan is to arrive at the Cuban Embassy, joined by other Cuban-American protesters from across the country to rally and then move to the White House in the afternoon.
