Miami Beach Honors Cuban Hero with Song and Tears

MIAMI BEACH — Popular former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart was among the guests Friday who helped Miami Beach officials celebrate the life of Cuban national hero José Martí.

“Jose Martí was not ahead of his time. Jose Martí was the head of all times," Diaz-Balart told attendees in an impassioned speech. "His deep rejection of racism. When you see that and you realize that he’s a 19th century man, you realize that he’s not a man of his time. His deep rejection of sexism, his deep rejection of classism; he’s not a man of his time. He’s ahead of all time.”

The event featured speakers, musical acts and poets in Collins Park at 21 Street and Collins Avenue.

"I did this event to honor the exile community and their national hero Jose Martí," Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez told Patch after the event.

"He's our Abraham Lincoln. Martí is the emblem of liberty, democracy and exceptionalism of the Cuban National," she added. "His picture is hanging in every Cuban household."

Attendees even sang "Guantamera."

Through his writings and political activity, Martí became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence.”

"There were many teary-eyed exiles in the audience today, and I was proud to help facilitate an event to bring back memories of Cuba, and the hope of freedom and democracy for all Cubans," Rosen Gonzalez added.

Photos and videos courtesy of Miami Beach.