Fairhope, Ala. — The Hope Farm will celebrate Cuba’s distinct culture, cuisine and historic connectionsto Mobile with an event on May 22 featuring a curated Cuban dinner by Executive Chef Leo Velazquez.On Friday, May 22, guests will be welcomed to the Barn at the Hope Farm with classic cocktails beforeenjoying a shared, family-style meal and a traditional Cuban dessert course. Chef Velazquez has created athoughtful menu for the evening, highlighting the many bold and vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine —from citrus-marinated meats and slow-roasted pork to sweet plantains and rich, aromatic coffee.As the official sister city organization between Mobile, Alabama, and Havana, Cuba, the Society Mobile–La Habana is supporting the…

The Society Mobile – La Habana, in partnership with the Cuba Center for Collaboration and Scholarship at the University of Alabama, cordially invites faculty, staff, students, and members of the broader community to a presentation and book signing with author John Sledge. Sledge will discuss his book, Mobile and Havana: Sisters Across the Gulf, which explores the deep historical and cultural connections between the port cities of Mobile and Havana, highlighting their longstanding commercial ties and rich exchanges across the Gulf of Mexico.  April 6  5:30 p.m.  Ernest & Hadley Booksellers651 20th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 A book signing will follow the presentation. We warmly welcome all who are interested…

Despite the rising popularity and influence of the Society, in the 1990s, the administrative shift in 2004 curtailed people-to-people visits and exchange, which drastically limited the Society’s power in creating personal connections. However, Board members maintained relevance. 2002 Mike Feore, Jay Higginbotham and Jill Shinault attended the first National Summit on Cuba in Washington D.C. to campaign for a continuation of ease of travel and trade. September The Alabama World Trade Association and Alabama Export Council passed two resolutions, written by board members Tony van Aken and Mike Lee, calling for the promotion of trade with Cuba and eventual elimination of the embargo. 2003 August Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries,…