2023-07-12 00:01:17
Three times 20, Santiago Álvarez told me when in 1979 I interviewed him on one of his visits to the German Democratic Republic to attend the famous Leipzig International Documentary Festival, of which he was a multi-laureate. On March 8 he would meet them but he preferred to refer to that figure as equivalent to multiplied youth, which in his case it represented.
I now make the parallel before the arrival of a similar anniversary, this July 15, of the existence of the Union of Journalists of Cuba, which celebrates it, among other actions, with the granting of a commemorative medal to a few hundred of its most three thousand members.
And the time machine of memories takes me to the first award I received from that union organization, more than half a century ago, embodied in a small badge, on a white background and in the center a golden feather at the ready as a historical emblem, granted for having Chosen Outstanding Journalist. I still keep it as a precious treasure from my beginnings in this endless devotion, I mean, profession.
Then, in the following years, others would come with a blue background, first, and red, later, equivalent to maintaining the condition for the second and third consecutive years. When I reached five I received another and at 10, a larger one with the face of José Martí.
The only official distinction conferred by UPEC, the Félix Elmuza, for at least 15 years of work with good results came to me in January 1985. Later, I was very proud to receive medals for the 25 and 50 years of its foundation, in 1988 and 2013.
But beyond the recount of the moral stimuli that I have received throughout my links with UPEC, I keep in mind in these days of balance, celebrations, hugs and tears of emotion, the founders with whom I shared my first steps through this endless path of journalism and its guild.
To limit myself only to the latter, I must first mention Amalia Riverón, my colleague from the Africa Zone and in charge of the Prensa Latina delegation, who wanted to join the organization even before completing the three-month trial that she had to go through. before starting to work as an editorial assistant.
Then it would be Ernesto Vera himself, a good man among the good, the soul of UPEC since before its foundation, who was the axis of many things, from agricultural work, parties in the house on 23 and I and conferences that were held there. they gave. Under his leadership, one-year improvement courses were created at Ñico López, in whose first course I took part. Later we ended up being roommates on assignments for the Latin American Federation of Journalists.
I also remember María Carvajal from the early days, the irreplaceable librarian who always helped people find what they were looking for. And to Bruno and his pizza, the snack we went to frequently, who preferred that environment to that of a luxury restaurant that he could access because of his category as chef.
Already linked to the organization as a member of its National Committee, Georgina, Siria, Rebeca, Angelita, Fifi, Meriño and, even closer for having collaborated with them, Julito and Lázaro come to mind… Veterans know who I mean, No need for last names.
We also owe it to them that this bastion of Cuban revolutionary journalism, which honors us with a new medal, continues to be so, due to the history they bequeathed to us, of camaraderie, dedication, conduct and tenacity.
It is worth noting, additionally, those who are his heirs today, in very difficult circumstances (when has it not been?), in which the struggle for the ideals that gave rise to the unity of journalism in Revolution becomes more complex, decisive, essential
In these three times 20 of existence, UPEC feels alive and with it, its affiliates forever.
Cover photo: Founders and former leaders of the UPEC meeting in the press house
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