A 1950’s car in Cuba. Photo by Martin Cooper
A tobacco farmer in Cuba. Photo by Martin CooperCuba, a country closed to American tourism for many years, remains a mystery to many of us. Local photographer Martin Cooper will give an inside glimpse into this fascinating and mysterious country as he presents a slide show of his recent trip there.
The event, which is sponsored by Hadassah, is 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at the White Rock Branch Library.
“This was an extraordinary opportunity to see a country that has been frozen in time since the communist takeover by Fidel Castro in 1959,” Cooper said of his trip. “The abundance of American cars from the 1950’s was a special treat.”
Cooper also found there to be a vibrant culture with captivating music and art.
“Frank Sinatra would be pleased,” he said, adding that the people were hospitable and eager to interact with Americans.
Despite the warm welcome and vibrant culture, the desperate condition of poverty and a clearly deteriorating infrastructure were evident, Cooper said.
In his presentation, Cooper will discuss his observations, including abandoned sugar plants resulting from reduced sugar production under the Castro administration, and Communist-sponsored small village communes utilizing out-dated machinery and hand tools.
Now that Cuba is beginning to open to American tourism, this glimpse of a country that has been frozen in time is a unique opportunity. There is no cost to attend the presentation.
Hadassah is the largest volunteer women’s organization in the world, which promotes education, medical research, women’s advocacy, and Israel’s right to exist and thrive in peace. The Los Alamos Chapter of Hadassah was founded in 1948 and continues to be a support network for the Jewish women of Los Alamos. Learn more at here.
- What: A slide presentation by Martin Cooper on “Perspectives from a Visit to Cuba”
- When: Monday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
- Where: White Rock Library
- Refreshments will be served by Hadassah
