Abstract:
In this study, cubanía is to be understood from the focus of Cuba‘s cultural
and human identities. From this perspective, the emphasis is laid on the black, his
cultural contribution to cubanía as well as the historical context (that is to say, his
days of slavery, colonialism and imperialism) that have moulded his human identity.
In other words, the black becomes the nucleus in defining the essence of being
Cuban. And for the purposes of this study, African religion, rhythm and language are
discussed to buttress the point that a definition of cubanía is incomplete without the
due recognition and integration of the contribution of its black community.
Consequently, Guillén as a poet will begin to bring the Cubans into a collective
awareness of their full identity by calling attention unto the religion, rhythm and
language of the African community that have shaped Cuba‘s identity. Guillén
employs poetry as a tool to bring about a revolutionary change that will jolt the
Cubans to recognize themselves as people bound by a common historic past but with
a possible future without any forms of prejudices and discrimination.
