10
By Any Means Necessary
Warrior Woman, Freedom Fighter Dylcia Pagan
Sometimes we come across people and immediately a magical connection occurs; that is how it was for me and Nehanda. Times passed, and it didn’t matter as our bond is still intact. Prior to my revolutionary sabbatical in federal custody, I spent one of the best New Year’s Eve ever, dancing chatting and enjoying laughter with Nehanda. I was eight months pregnant and fighting a grand jury. Years later, I was informed about my comrades’ situation. I hoped one day to be able to see her. We had so much of our struggles to share. I was kept informed about her via my comrades. In 2007, I was able to visit Cuba. The first thing I did was ask the Director of Casa Puerto Rico, Edwin Gonzalez, to find my dear friend. I wanted to surprise her. Because many of the young people that visited me inside were involved in the hip-hop music industry as musicians, poets, and activists, I always told them about Nehanda. Some had the privilege of meeting her, working with her, and making documentaries with her. Others visiting Cuba who got to visit her shared that being with Nehanda was always a memorable event. Edwin was able to connect with her and asked to attend a gathering of the family of the Cuban 6 who were incarcerated in the USA. Little did she know I would be there. The family members had never met another comrade that had been incarcerated in USA. We shared stories that made them laugh as well as cry. In the middle of our interaction, in walked Nehanda. I forgot what I was doing there. We looked at each other, ran into our arms and hugged; we parted a bit and stared into each other's eyes. It was as if time had never passed. The coming together of kindred souls of struggle had finally come to be. Believe me we were sharing it. My heart was filled as I was finally able to see my comrade after over two decades. I just received one of my sister’s last interviews sent to me by Brother Shep. I felt her spirit of verticality and commitment. No one knows all the pain that Nehanda went through. What we do know is that no matter what circumstances she faced, she prevailed, a true warrior woman. I am so honored and blessed by our ancestors that Nehanda was in my life in so many ways. I thank my comrades, Hiram Rivera and Eli Fantausi for calling me to inform me of her transition. Her spirit lives in all of us who continue to struggle. I got to dance salsa with her and boy did we jam. Nehanda Vive! Viva Pueto Rico Libre! Ashe! Your loving Sister in Struggle, Dylcia Pagan