African American writer Alice Walker receives recognition in Cuba

The renowned African American writer Alice Walker today received the Haydée Santamaría medal by presidential decree, in an event held at Casa de las Américas in Havana.

Alice Walker attended the event accompanied by some family members and as part of a delegation of 70 American writers and culture promoters belonging to the group "Busboys and Poets," which brings together writers, activists, dreamers and thinkers who support solidarity with Cuba.

Several personalities from Cuban culture participated in the award ceremony, including the president of Casa de las Américas Abel Prieto; poet and literature award-winner Nancy Morejón; Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso; as well as researchers and directors of various cultural and research programs such as Zuleica Romay, Luisa Campuzano, Jaime Gómez and Víctor Fowler.

The Haydeé Santamaría medal is awarded to citizens and groups of Cuba and other countries who, with a useful life and high-quality intellectual work over the years, have contributed to the objectives to which Casa de las Américas aspires, the enrichment of the genuine culture of our America and its integration through cultural means.

Alice Walker has a vast literary work, in which she has addressed the issues of racial and gender inequality, among which her novel The Color Purple stands out.