Antiracism in Cuba : the unfinished revolution /

Benson's thoughtful book challenges many ideas about race in Cuba and in general. From reference to the 1912 massacre of supporters of the black political party (Independent Party of Color) to the author's personal account of how a Cuban clerk changed her racial identity on a visa application, Benson provides a thorough and nuanced account of race relations in Cuba. She focuses on the Cuban understanding of a raceless society as the legacy of independence leaders, white Jose Martí and black Antonio Maceo. Castro's revolution, led mostly by whites, adopted a goal of ending racism in Cuba that defined racism as economic rather than cultural. Postrevolutionary Cuba saw blacks and mulattos as dependent on the revolution, and expected obedience and appreciation. Benson provides individual stories showing how some Afro Cubans accepted their place in the revolution, while others challenged revolutionary leaders and highlighted continued racism in Cuba. The book provides a perspective not otherwise found in studies of the Cuban Revolution, and stresses Afro-descendants' ownership of their place in Cuba's history. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. --James A. Baer, Northern Virginia Community College