West Bloomfield Students Meet Castro's Daughter

Oakland Early College Spanish students received a history lesson like no other, during a recent field trip to Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus.

The Spanish 1, 2 and 3 students from West Bloomfield heard Alina Fernandez, the daughter of Fidel Castro, speak on Sept. 23. Fernandez spoke about her experiences growing up in Cuba and ultimately fleeing the country in 1993, after her role in a movement of political dissent.

The lecture provided an intimate account of her father, how the country changed after the revolution and of the potential for a reformed Cuba. Teacher Jill Rosenthal-Vinter said Fernandez “was interesting, entertaining and down to earth".

"She immediately connected with her large audience, young and old, and told her story in a captivating manner. Our students received a history lesson they will never forget. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for us all," Rosenthal-Vinter said. 
 
Junior Hannah Schultz was deeply moved by many of the stories. "I thought it was interesting hearing her recall seeing an execution on TV, but she didn't know what it was until she was older. I just wonder how frightening it would be for someone so young to see that," she said.

"I feel badly that she was told her father (stepfather) and sister were traitors when they fled to the U.S.," said Jordan Miller, a junior.

Born in 1956 during her father’s 32-year reign as president, Fernandez began life as a member of the Cuban elite. In 1959 Castro overthrew the Batista government during the Cuban Revolution. She now lives in Miami, where she works in radio.