Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Activists Urge Embargo Lift at U.S.–Cuba Conference

4/11/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A U.S.–Cuba normalization conference at City University of New York urged lifting the embargo.
Corinna Mullin, an activist, and Danny Valdes, an activist, promoted sustained street protests and solidarity work.
Corinna Mullin and Danny Valdes dismissed concerns about Cuba's governance as irrelevant.
The conference hosted legal workshops on sanctions enforcement.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. and Cuba began normalizing relations in December 2014, ending over 50 years of hostility, with President Obama announcing diplomatic ties restoration on July 20, 2015. This thaw, influenced by secret talks and Pope Francis, aimed to ease the economic embargo that cost Cuba an estimated $130 billion. Activists today continue to advocate for lifting the embargo amid ongoing governance concerns.

1 of 2

Story summary

A U.S.–Cuba normalization conference at City University of New York urged lifting the embargo.
Corinna Mullin, an activist, and Danny Valdes, an activist, promoted sustained street protests and solidarity work.
Corinna Mullin and Danny Valdes dismissed concerns about Cuba's governance as irrelevant.
The conference hosted legal workshops on sanctions enforcement.

1 / 2