Activist Saily González Velázquez attended the No Kings march, which protested across the U.S. against what they believe to be the authoritarian drift of Donald Trump's government
The protesters organized in nearly 2,000 locations across the U.S., including cities, towns, and community spaces, and González Velázquez shared on her Facebook stories moments from the demonstration in Alexandria, a city in Virginia south of Washington D.C.
"Not all Cubans support the one who wants to be a dictator. Some of us recognize one when we see it, believe that the rights of migrants are human rights, and understand that without due process there is no democracy."
The activist also shared images from the demonstration and chanted slogans in English such as "This is what democracy looks like."
He also expressed his criticisms of the military parade organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, coinciding with Donald Trump's 79th birthday, funded by "taxpayer money."
In a lengthy Facebook post published shortly after she explained that “she saw how this protest was organized to defend my rights, while the fear of participating made me want to stay home posting on social media.”
"That's exactly why I went: because I believe that when someone is afraid to exercise their rights, that’s when it's most important to step out and defend them," she affirmed.
Saily said she questioned her right to be at the demonstration until she discovered that "the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the right to assemble peacefully for all people under the jurisdiction of this country, not just for citizens."
González Velázquez stated that the thousands of Cubans who took to the streets to protest yesterday made it clear to the community representatives in Congress that they are "a generation that does not settle for empty anti-communist rhetoric."
"Yes, we come from a communist dictatorship, but precisely for that reason, we defend democracy, human rights, and due process wherever we are. We did not leave Cuba to remain silent in the face of new forms of authoritarianism. We want to live in a country that respects us, and we hope that our representatives will uphold that principle. Support us. Support your community," he said.
Protests in Florida
Thousands of people mobilized across South Florida this Saturday as part of the national No Kings movement, to protest against what they describe as an authoritarian shift in the administration of Donald Trump and to demand the defense of democracy.
The protests are taking place simultaneously in several cities across the state and are part of a coordinated effort nationwide.
From early hours on Saturday, the streets of Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Homestead, and Miami Beach began to fill with protesters waving flags, chanting slogans, and holding colorful signs with messages such as "There are no kings in the United States."
Hundreds of protesters also gathered in West Palm Beach.
Especially impressive was the line of people marching towards the vicinity of Mar-A-Lago, the president's luxurious mansion in Florida.
In Fort Lauderdale, the Sky 10 team captured from the air hundreds of people gathered near the intersection of A1A and Sunrise Boulevard, marching peacefully along the beach while being monitored by a significant police presence.
In downtown Miami, specifically at the Torch of Friendship, thousands of people gathered starting at 11:30 a.m. to express their discontent.
In Miami Beach, the gathering took place at Pride Park.
In Coral Springs, more than 150 people gathered at 8:30 a.m., half an hour before the official start of the demonstration at the intersection of Sample Road and University Drive. The atmosphere, although suburban, was filled with intensity and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protests Against Donald Trump and Cuban Participation
Why are Cubans participating in protests against Donald Trump in the United States?
Cubans participate in these protests because they see parallels between the authoritarian regime they fled in Cuba and what they perceive as an authoritarian turn in the administration of Donald Trump. Cuban protesters have expressed their desire to defend democracy and human rights, both in the United States and in their home countries. Additionally, many of them feel it is important to raise their voices against any form of authoritarianism, just as they did in their homeland.
What is the "No Kings" movement and what is its objective?
The "No Kings" movement is a series of protests in the United States that reject any attempt to consolidate authoritarian power by the administration of Donald Trump. Its goals include the defense of democracy, respect for human rights, and opposition to policies that could threaten due process and civil liberties in the country. This movement has been supported by thousands of people in various cities across the nation.
How are the protests in the United States related to the situation in Cuba?
The protests in the United States have a symbolic connection to the situation in Cuba, as many Cuban protesters see Trump's policies as a reflection of the authoritarian patterns they experienced in their country. Furthermore, the Cuban regime has been accused of hypocrisy by applauding the protests in the United States while repressing demonstrations on the island. This situation highlights the hypocrisy of the Cuban government and reinforces the struggle of exiles for freedom and human rights in both contexts.
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