“The history of America from the Incas to
the present must be taught in its smallest detail, even if the Greek Archons go untaught.”
–Jose Marti
Jose Marti was a Cuban national hero. Though he has something to teach Latino’s everywhere about what Latin American identity means. In his famous work “Nuestra America”, “Our America”, he lays out a groundbreaking and progressive vision of how Latin Americans should see and govern themselves.
Jose Marti’s prophecy that with independence would come increasing US intervention came true in later years. Jose advocated racial equality across Latin America, rejecting the idea of ‘civilisation v. barbarism’ that portrayed the Indigenous and Afro Latinos as backward and white presidents and leaders as enlightened ones.
The teachings and works of Jose Marti immensely influenced Fidel Castro. In his remarkable speech, “History Shall Absolve Me”, Fidel made frequent references to the thoughts and ideas of Jose Marti. Nevertheless, the state of affairs in the region tells that many politicians and leaders instead of learning from his teachings have made their states America’s clients.