This Day in History: 18 September 2020
18 September 1960
60 years ago, today, Fidel Castro arrived in New York, acting as the head of the Cuban delegation to the United Nations. His visit stirred admiration and indignation from various groups within the American society. Castro's stay at the Theresa Hotel in Harlem was the first event that sparked public surprise, which eventually climaxed due to his speech to the United Nations on September 26. While staying at the hotel, he met with many African American leaders, including Malcolm X and Langston Hughes. Over a week later, he would deliver an attack on American 'aggression' and 'imperialism' in front of the United Nations, that lasted for over four hours.
Castro's visit marked the final breaking point in relations between the United States and Cuba. The next year, the Eisenhower administration severed all diplomatic relations with Cuba, and shortly afterwards, President John F. Kennedy ordered the Bay of Pigs invasion, which was ultimately a failure. Castro's power in Cuba was solidified by his victory in the invasion. For over four decades, he remained the undisputed leader of Cuba's communist government, despite continued strained relations between the United States. Castro officially stepped down in February 2008, and died in 2016, at the age of 90.
Want to find out more about Fidel Castro's visit to the UN? Click here for more information, or here for more about his life.
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