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Fidel Castro and Harlem: Political, Diplomatic, and Social Influences of the 1960 Visit to the Hotel Theresa.
INTRODUCTION
Sunday, September 18, 1960, was described by one observer as a rainy, "raw, gray...day...typical of New York in the fall." A legion of "world leaders was streaming in from all corners of, the globe to attend the 15th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. At 4:32 P.M., "two hours later than expected," Premier Fidel Castro and "fifty additional officials, bodyguards, and correspondents" landed at Idlewild International Airport (now John F. Kennedy). Reporters characterized the 34 year-old-Cuban leader as "subdued," reluctant to smile for official photographers, and lacking the "bravura with which he responded to the enthusiastic welcome accorded him here in April, 1959, four months after seizing power in Havana."(2)
The strain of leadership, immense problems confronting Cuba's new government, and the deteriorating relations between the United States and Cuba had probably taken its toll on Castro. Nonetheless, he approached a "battery of microphones" and declared, "I...salute the people of the United States." His aides also assured attentive listeners that Castro's speech to the General Assembly "would not be pleasant for American ears."(3)
As the Cuban delegation left the airport, Castro waved to a mixed crowd of 2,000 vocal supporters. Many carried signs stating, "Welcome Fidel," "Venceremos" - Spanish for "We Shall Win," "Hands Off the Congo," and "Freedom for Algeria." They "had learned the location of his arrival only a half-hour before, after demonstrating exuberantly in the rain" outside the "main terminal for two hours." Hundreds of demonstrators proceeded to their vehicles and rode back to Manhattan with the Cubans in an "unofficial, people caravan," honking car horns and shouting "Viva Fidel! Viva Cuba!"(4)
These events marked the first few hours of Castro's historic ten day visit to New York City in 1960. Eight of these days were spent residing in Harlem's Theresa Hotel. From this base, Castro launched an effective propaganda war, established cordial and at times an adoring relationship with Harlem's Black community, communicated with grass roots Black leaders, and welded diplomatic influence upon African leaders. This paper will explore these themes and address the following questions: What social and historical factors made Harlem receptive to Cuba's revolutionary leader? What role did...