Cuban salsa on display
Mar 08, 2024
WASHNGTON, DC – In a celebration honoring Black History Month and the enduring cultural ties between African Americans and the Cuban people, the Cuban Embassy here recently hosted a program filled with art, dance, song, and food. The event, a vibrant testament to shared heritage, brought together esteemed guests, artists, and community members for an evening of cultural exchange, celebration, and conversation.
Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director of international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, and PJ Haynie, a rice farmer and owner of Arkansas River Rice Mill, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, were invited to participate in the program.
As guests entered the Embassy, they were greeted by a photo gallery, curated by students from American University, inspired by the works of poets Langston Hughes and Nicolas Guillen.
Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the importance of honoring and preserving the rich tapestry of Afro-Cuban heritage. Musical performances included Ayanna Gregory's rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the rhythmic pulse of Cuban salsa brought to life by Adrian Valdivia and Naomi Washington, and jazz vocalist Chuck Holden who charmed listeners with his rendition of "Route 66."
The artistic portion of the evening was capped by the renowned dance company Farafina Kan, whose thunderous African drumbeats and captivating choreography transported guests on a journey across continents and through centuries of shared history.
After the program, guests were invited to a culinary feast featuring traditional Cuban dishes such as congri, the black bean and rice dish that has long been a staple of Cuban cuisine. The phrase "Si no hay arroz, No hay comida" or “without rice, there is no meal,” was repeated throughout the reception, underscoring the central role that rice plays in every Cuban meal.
The U.S. has a historical presence in Cuba as the primary source for rice prior to the embargo in 1958. “Located only 90 miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba is a natural export market for the U.S.,” said Grigsby. “We support trade opportunities there to ensure food security for the Cuban people.”
In 2023, the U.S. exported more than 1,000 MT of rice to Cuba, nearly ten times the amount in 2022.