By Gail Walker on September 7, 2025
Lucius Walker will always be remembered for leading a whole generation of Cuba solidarity activists throughout the US by mobilizing grass roots caravans to Cuba for over 25 years confronting the blockade initiated when the US saw an opening to attack. His motivation was simple and clear: “The US government cannot tell us who our friends are.” – editorial
Dear Friends,
Many times before I have said that my father wore multiple hats.
Aside from being a father, a grandfather, a social worker and an educator, he was also a social activist dedicated to various justice related causes.
Many of our Cuban family members remember my Dad as a pastor that spoke out boldly about what it meant to be a faith leader fighting the injustice of the brutal US Blockade of Cuba. He is remembered as a social activist who like David fought against Goliath and stood up to the mighty US empire.
For me of course he was first and foremost my Dad. But as a result of being the man he was, he also taught me what it meant to be a teacher, a pastor, a person who stood up willing to put their life on the line – if necessary (at times creating fear and concern for his family an friends).
Lucius and Gail
I co-led the infamous delegation to Nicaragua that resulted in my father being shot by US government-backed Contra forces. While frightened by that life-changing incident, I also proudly witnessed the way he transformed what I, as his daughter, saw as a personal tragedy into a movement — Pastors for Peace! Since 1987, Pastors for Peace has led dozens of caravans to Central American and Caribbean.
Since 1992, thousands have experienced Cuba first-hand by participating in delegations and caravans organized by IFCO/Pastors for Peace. These trips also gave caravanistas the opportunity to directly educate their family and friends about the Cuban reality!
Equally important, I also witnessed the way that my father humbly worked with people of faith and people of conscience across the US and across the globe to stand in support of our Cuban family that has relentlessly been terrorized by the US empire for more than six decades.
To this day, I am often reminded by past caravan participants of the life-changing impact of the Pastors for Peace project.
On this 15th anniversary of when he left this earthly plain and joined our beloved ancestors, it’s an honor to remember his legacy and to lift up the many lessons he taught us.
Lucius continues to shine a bright light on those of us who struggle for social justice!!
Lucius Vive!
La Lucha Sigue!!
Gail Walker is the recently retired director of IFCO-Pastors for Peace, a position she assumed after the passing of her father.
Source: Cubadebate
photos: Bill Hackwell
