”In these pages we have proven that journalism can and must be an effective weapon in the battle of ideas to which we are subjected, and which today reaches wider audiences. We are certain that Juventud Rebelde (JR) will continue to be, as Fidel requested on its founding, a newspaper of quality,” stated Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, first secretary of the National Committee of the Young Communist League (UJC), during the editorial’s 50th anniversary gala, presided by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, a member of the PCC Political Bureau and first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers.
As part of the tribute gala, held in the Lázaro Peña Theatre, touching gifts were presented to Fidel - founder of the paper - and Raúl, by JR employees. The acrylic on canvas artworks depict both leaders as young rebels and were presented to Díaz-Canel by JR Editor Marina Menéndez, and the artist himself Lázaro Miranda.
Also recognized during the ceremony was photojournalist Juan Moreno, whose 46 year career at JR has seen him become the most experienced active founding member and teacher to the new generations of photographers.
Recognitions were also presented to the paper by Crespo Baquero on behalf of the Young Communist League, and Vice President of the Union of Journalists of Cuba, Bárbara Doval.
Speaking on behalf of the founders, Norberta Reyes (Chaly), who worked for the publication for 42 years, described the creation of JR that October 21, 1965, through the merger of the daily La Tarde and magazine Mella, “as a new and unforgettable experience.” “JR continues to offer fresh and relevant material for all tastes….its Sunday edition continues to be the most popular. It is distinguished by its supplements, chronicles, reports and various interest sections. While it has continued to offer high quality humor through its DDT team,” she noted.
A message of greetings from Yucatán based publication Por Esto! and its Editor, Mario Renato Menéndez, was read out by Alicia Figueroa, head of International Relations at JR, during the ceremony, which saw performances by maestro Frank Fernández, Michel Herrera and his group, Vocalité, David Blanco, Rakatán and Havana Dance Company.
Also presiding the tribute gala were Rolando Alfonso Borges, head of the Party Central Committee Ideological Department; Armando Hart Dávalos, director of the Martí Program Office and president of the José Martí Cultural Society; as well as other UJC officials.
