Interview, Alejandro Luis

Alejandro Luis was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1972. When he was 21 years old, he decided to move to the United States to escape the political and economic situation in Cuba. Accompanied by six friends, Luis attempted to cross the Florida Strait on a raft. The group was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard and held at Guantanamo Bay for eight months before being released.

In this interview, Luis discusses his childhood, education, and family. He describes the new holidays and traditions to which he has been exposed in the United States, but indicates that he is still a part of the local Cuban community and maintains Cuban traditions. Luis notes that he also feels part of the broader Latino community in Rochester because his wife is Puerto Rican. He addresses the differences among Rochester Latinos, and notes the factors that bind the community together. Luis also discusses trips to Cuba, his children, religion, the barrio, and what it means to be Cuban, American, and Cuban-American. Much of the interview focuses on the differences between the United States and Cuba.