Raúl Roa García facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raúl Roa García
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Raúl Roa (1961)
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| Born | 18 April 1907 Havana, Cuba
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| Died | 6 July 1982 (aged 75) Havana, Cuba
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Raúl Roa García (born April 18, 1907 – died July 6, 1982) was an important Cuban thinker, politician, and diplomat. He is best known for serving as the Foreign Minister of Cuba for many years, from 1959 to 1976. Before that, he was a lawyer and a university professor in the 1940s and 1950s. He also directed the culture department for the Ministry of Education from 1949 to 1951.
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Early Life and Education
Raúl Roa was born in Havana, Cuba. He showed his talent for writing at a young age. When he was just 18, he wrote his first article. This essay was about Jose Marti, a famous Cuban national hero.
While studying law, Roa became involved in student protests. In 1926, he was put in jail for speaking out against foreign involvement in Nicaragua. This showed his early commitment to fighting for what he believed was right.
Becoming a Revolutionary
In 1927, Raúl Roa met Rubén Martínez Villena. Villena helped Roa learn more about important social problems in Cuba. Roa joined other young people who were against imperialism. He worked with groups like the Universidad Popular José Martí and the Liga Antimperialista. He also wrote for magazines and newspapers, sharing his ideas.
During the 1930s, Roa continued to write. His writings showed his strong belief in Marxist-Leninist ideas. He joined a more radical student group called the Ala Izquierda Estudiantil in 1931. In this group, he became even more focused on the need for Cuba to be truly independent. He believed in fighting against foreign control. His writings from this time showed his firm belief in using armed rebellion if necessary. Because of his activism, he was arrested and sent to prison.
Exile and Return
Raúl Roa was released from prison in 1933. After his release, he wrote an important document called Manifiesto al pueblo de Cuba (Manifesto to the People of Cuba). He then took part in a big general strike in 1933. This strike helped to remove Gerardo Machado from power.
In March 1935, Roa was forced to leave Cuba and went to the United States. While in the U.S., he joined with other Cuban exiles. He worked with people like Pablo de la Torriente Brau. Together, they started a group called the Organización Revolucionaria Cubana Antiimperialista (ORCA). This group aimed to fight against imperialism and for Cuba's freedom.
Diplomatic Career
After the Cuban Revolution, Raúl Roa became the Foreign Minister of Cuba. He held this important position from 1959 to 1976. As Foreign Minister, he worked to build good relationships with other countries in Latin America. He also signed an agreement with the United States in 1973 to prevent airplane hijackings.
Family Life
Raúl Roa was married to Dr. Ada Kouri Barreto. Their son, Raúl Roa Kouri, also became a diplomat. He has served as Cuba's ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican City) and as Cuba's representative to the United Nations. Raúl Roa García's grandfather, Lieutenant Coronel Ramón Roa Gari, was a soldier in the Cuban Liberation Army.
Later Years
Raúl Roa García passed away in Havana on July 6, 1982. He is remembered as a key figure in Cuban politics and diplomacy.
See also
In Spanish: Raúl Roa para niños
