This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. After decades of survival,

in spite of American opposition, the Cuban government is struggling to resist and uprising

of its own citizens. And while U.S. dialogue about that communist regime has historically been

dominated by white Cuban Americans, Afro-Cuban say that needs to change.

We're silence in a weird race on both fronts, in Cuba and the United States, across racial

lines, across political lines.

Afro-Cuban perspective on the Cuba protest and politics coming up on a word with me, Jason

Johnson. Stay tuned.

This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. Cuba's communist

regime has endured for over six decades and more than ten American presidents, several

of whom predicted and pushed for its downfall. But in recent days, a government that survived

pressure from one of the most powerful nations in the world is facing its toughest fight

from its own people.

Cuban Americans have added their voices to the call for a new government in Cuba, from

social media to the streets, and many of them are challenging the historic American narrative

about Cuba. One of these people is Amalia Dache, she's Afro-Cuban and a professor of higher

education at the University of Pennsylvania. She researches the role of race in higher education

and student activism. She's also the author of the book Rise Up, Activism as Education.

And Amalia Dache joins us now. Welcome to a word.

Thank you so much Jason. Glad to be here.

We should note that at the time we're recording this conversation, the Cuban government has

become more aggressive about blocking communication. You still have family there. What's the latest

...