Voices of Exile: Chronicling Cuba’s Diaspora Through Oral Histories

The University of Miami Libraries Cuban Heritage Collection is on a mission to preserve the multifaceted narratives of Cuban exiles, documenting experiences from the Cuban Revolution to contemporary times, enriching our understanding of a community marked by resilience and diversity

Preserving Cuban Legacy

The Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami Libraries stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cuban diaspora. Since its inception in 2008, the collection has embarked on a crucial journey to document the Cuban and Cuban American experience through the powerful medium of oral histories. This initiative, initially propelled by the fundraising support of the Amigos, has meticulously captured the narratives of prominent figures whose lives have been interwoven with significant chapters of Cuban history, from the pivotal moments following the 1959 revolution to the vibrant contributions of Cuban Americans in the United States.

The collection’s foundational project, the Luis J. Botifoll Oral History Project, has amassed 118 interviews that shine a light on influential individuals such as Huber Matos, a commander in Fidel Castro’s army turned dissident, and cultural icons like singer Willy Chirino and comedian Guillermo Álvarez Guedes. These stories, rich in personal triumphs and trials, offer invaluable insights into the complex tapestry of Cuban exile identity.

Further efforts, including the Human Rights Oral History Project and the Movimiento San Isidro Oral History Project, have expanded the collection’s reach, capturing the evolving political landscape in Cuba and the spirited resistance of its people. The recent focus on Cuban American entrepreneurs, such as healthcare magnate Mike Fernández, tech pioneer Manny Medina, and real estate developer Jorge Pérez, underscores the community’s entrepreneurial spirit and profound impact on the American fabric.

Inclusive Vision

Yet, the ambition of the Cuban Heritage Collection extends beyond the preservation of high-profile narratives. Amanda Moreno and Michael Bustamante, leading figures at the collection, envision a more inclusive approach that embraces a broader array of Cuban voices. Their goal is to construct a comprehensive archive that reflects the diversity of the Cuban experience, capturing the stories of individuals from all racial and gender backgrounds, generations, professions, and political affiliations.

This broadened scope addresses a critical gap in the historiography of Cuba and its diaspora, challenging the monolithic perception of the Cuban community in the United States. By integrating testimonies from across the spectrum of Cuban society, the collection aspires to present a richer, more nuanced portrait of a community characterized by diversity and complexity.

The initiative to expand the oral history program has its challenges. Securing the necessary infrastructure and resources demands a concerted fundraising effort and recruiting experts in Cuban and Cuban diaspora history and culture. This endeavor requires adherence to methodological and ethical standards to ensure the integrity of the collected narratives.

Approximately 500,000 Cubans have embarked on the journey to the U.S. in just the past three years, a testament to the ongoing relevance of the Cuban diaspora’s story. The Cuban Heritage Collection’s commitment to documenting these experiences is more than an archival project; it’s a mission to preserve a community’s collective memory shaped by exile, resilience, and hope.

A Mission Beyond Archives

The Cuban Heritage Collection’s oral history project represents a vital bridge between past and present, offering future generations access to firsthand accounts of their heritage. Scholars, students, and community members can better understand the Cuban exile experience through these narratives, fostering a sense of connection and continuity.

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The University of Miami Libraries’ Cuban Heritage Collection embodies a profound commitment to chronicling the rich tapestry of Cuban and Cuban American lives. By expanding its oral history program, the collection safeguards the legacy of Cuba’s global diaspora. It celebrates the vibrancy and resilience of a community that continues to shape the world profoundly. Through the voices of exile, we are reminded of the power of storytelling in bridging divides, healing wounds, and honoring the indomitable spirit of a people forever linked by shared history and hopes for the future.