On October 22 and 23, 2025, the progressive movement of the Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) held its 36th Annual Celebration saluting the life and legacy of the powerful advocate for social justice, Brother Malcolm X, also known as El Hajj Malik El Shabazz. The celebration which is normally held on his birthday, May 19, had to be postponed due to a tornado on May 16 this year that devastated a large portion of St. Louis’ Black neighborhoods. The annual public celebration featured a dynamic presentation from representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, Gabriela Castillo and Grettel Gomez Gonzalez. Also, Ms. Castillo was interviewed on the internet TV talk program “Conversation with Zaki Baruti” which can be viewed by googling UAPO NewsWorld.
The focus of the presentations was the harmful impact of the United States decades long “illegal economic embargo” of the island of Cuba which has a 60 percent Black population.
The representatives public presentations included two private receptions held at Legacy Cafe with members of the UAPO on Wednesday evening, October 22, and a reception the following morning with local elected officials, organizational and spiritual leaders. A public forum was also held at Jubilee Community Church. The theme for each gathering was “Cuba-A Connection with Black America” and included lively question and answer sessions. Nearly 170 people attended the events and enthusiastically received the message of the UAPO guests. The focus of the presentations was the harmful impact of the United States decades long “illegal economic embargo” of the island of Cuba which has a 60 percent Black population. In fact, each year an overwhelming number of countries of the United Nations have repeatedly voted for an end to the embargo which the U.S. government in its arrogance has ignored.
Finally, the Cuban representatives encouraged everyone in attendance to embrace the concept of “Supporting the Cuban People” which the Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) fully endorses.
UAPO and Bridge Foundation Development Corporation invite you to the “Books For Gambia” Kick-Off Fundraiser Reception on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm at Legacy Cafe, 5249 Delmar, St. Louis. The goal is to ship thousands of Afrocentric and technical/vocational Books to Gambia for distribution to schools and museums at the beginning of Black History Month.
The Universal African Peoples Organization is a progressive business, political, humanitarian, educational and expansive society.