July opens with cultural celebration, as the 1st of this month marks Historian’s Day. This honours Dr Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring, appointed Historian of Havana in 1935 and later designated Historian of the Revolution by Fidel.
Marking this date invites reflection on the true essence of a historian: one dedicated to studying and investigating the past in all its dimensions. Through historians’ work, we interpret historical events and their genuine impact on the present.
Ciego de Ávila holds the privilege of safeguarding a poignant history, preserved by distinguished figures whose rigorous documentation ensures no event fades into oblivion. Their accounts of pivotal moments endure in books and archives held in museums and libraries.
In a dynamic exchange with Héctor Izquierdo Acuña, a history enthusiast, he recounts his early steps in this field. He credits a mission in Angola with inspiring his passion for research.
From that moment, he immersed himself in investigations – primarily on the colonial period – citing works including The Ten Years’ War in Ciego de Ávila; Colonial History of Bolivia Municipality; and numerous historical publications in newspapers and journals.
He holds the rank of Associate Researcher at the Juan Marinello Centre, holds a diploma in Socio-Cultural Anthropology, and treasures honours such as the Joya de la Cultura Avileña distinction, national awards, the Por la Cultura Cubana distinction, and annual Juan Marinello Cultural Research prizes.
Izquierdo is not the sole example. Morón’s chronicled history is reflected in Medio Milenio por Morón and El Jefe del Pelotón Suicida, credited to Larry Morales Rodríguez – recipient of multiple national and international accolades affirming his standing as a true historian.
Particularly compelling was young Ileana Bárbara Gómez’s intervention at a Pioneer Assembly. The pupil from Morón’s Ricardo Companioni Primary School advocated visiting historic sites, museums, and institutions to deeply understand Cuba’s history, declaring her own vocation to become a historian.
As we celebrate their day, may every Avilanian historian receive due recognition for compiling works that bring our past – in all its detail – into the present.
(Author: Leonel Iparraguirre González)
