Havana Historian’s Office Dedicates Cultural Program to Emilio Roig

The August Cultural Program of the Historian’s Office of Havana (OHCH) is dedicated to Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring, commemorating the 135th anniversary of his birth.

A highlight of the tribute is the presentation of the third edition of La Habana. Apuntes históricos, published by Ediciones Boloña. Magda Resik, OHCH’s Communications Director, will introduce the book.

The book, edited by Marjorie Peregrín with notes by Yamira Rodríguez Marcano, features design by Gretel Ruiz Calderón González and was printed by Egondi Artes Gráficas.

Additionally, an exhibition of publications and documents showcasing Roig’s judgments, assessments, and campaigns in favor of Cuban women will be inaugurated, organized by the Patrimonial Asset Department.

The exhibition reflects the democratic and progressive thinking of Havana’s first historian, evident in correspondence, publications, reviews, social chronicles, and articles that highlight his practical actions.

Roig introduced historical, judicial, cultural, customary, and educational reflections and criticism, emphasizing their societal value and denouncing injustices.

The exhibit will feature excerpts from his publications in Gráfico, Social, Carteles, Vanidades, El Mundo, and Diario de la Marina, as well as prologues dedicated to women’s publications.

His stance, which dignified women and their role in national history, is considered highly valuable. Roig addressed pressing social issues and opened doors for female avant-garde figures in magazines like Social, featuring personalities such as Mariblanca Salas Alomá, Ofelia Rodríguez Acosta, María Villar Buceta, and Leonor Barranqué.

In his work, Roig surrounded himself with women whom he treated as equals, including his wife and collaborator María Benítez and historian and journalist Raquel Catalá.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez