Translation:Artist Barbara Rangel will honor the story of her grandfather, Col. Cornelio Rojas, with an impressive exhibition including family photos, documents, and art she created for this occasion. The exhibit will run for one week beginning February 21st and concluding on March 1st. On February 24th, the anniversary of “El Grito de Baire,” a special celebration will be held.
Location: Art Emporium 710 SW 13th Ave, Miami, Florida 33135
Dates: February 21, 2019 through March 1, 2019.
Here is some history about Ms. Rangel’s grandfather, Colonel Cornelio Rojas, who was executed in January of 1959 by the Castro dictatorship. His execution was gruesomely televised on national television.
My name is Barbara Rangel, granddaughter of Colonel Cornelio Rojas, Chief of Police in Santa Clara in the 1950’s. He was a national policeman before Batista came to power.
He earned his military status of Colonel and was involved in revolutionary activities in the 1930’s.
He was a man who always fought for the freedom of Cuba, in the 1930’s he was fighting against dictator Gerardo Machado at Gibara.
His father and grandfather: Colonel Cornelio Rojas Escobar and Brig. General Cornelio Rojas Hurtado, had fought prominently in Cuba’s War of Independence from Spain.
I would like to clarify and educate, if I may, those who are ignorant of the truth.
My grandfather was arrested and murdered by the godfather of modern terrorism, Che Guevara, and another murderer, Fidel Castro, for the only purpose of creating terror among the population.
They wanted to eliminate my grandfather because he was a man of great courage, a descendant of Generals who had fought for Cuba’s independence.
My granddad was a beloved pillar in his community, well known for his public service and philanthropy.
He was executed on national television without the opportunity of a trial, therefore violating his human rights (Article #10 & #11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
Che Guevara had sent a message to my family informing them that no harm would come to my granddad, but it was a lie, as he had already murdered him by the time my family received it.
After his execution, he was buried in a mass grave, Che Guevara didn’t even give us the solace of a funeral or allowed his family to put a cross or flowers atop my murdered granddad’s grave.
My family suffered tremendously, it was very traumatic; especially for my mom, Blanca Rojas, who was pregnant when my grandfather was murdered.
Imagine seeing your dad being murdered on national television! She immediately went into labor.
By then, Che’s goons had surrounded our family house, and didn’t allow my mother to go to a hospital. A midwife had to be called to assist her with the labor. My brother, Silvio Gonzalez, was born on the same bed that belonged to my granddad.
What is a person supposed to do? Rejoice for the birth of her son, or weep for the murder of her father?
How can anyone ever forget or forgive such horrific acts by these mass murderers, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro?
Read more HERE.