Like most descendants of Cuban immigrants in the United States, for a long time I had no hope of ever visiting this country of origin of mine. The embargo has kept me from visiting the island and from having direct contact with my Cuban heritage. Growing up outside of Miami has also distanced me from Cuban culture, but one thing that connects me is this statue. This is a statue of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba and affectionately called "La Cachita." She is known as the mother of all Cubans, both near and far. She is not just a religious icon but a cultural one as well. Although I am not the most devout Catholic, seeing La Cachita gives me a personal connection to Cuba and to my Cuban ancestors by our common spiritual mother. 

– August Darbonne

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more