Ohio Artists Witness Cuba's Resilience Amid Blackout

U.S. fuel blockade plunges Cuba into darkness, but Ohioans say the Cuban people remain hopeful.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:04am

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A group of 60 Ohio artists, business leaders, and government officials who recently traveled to Cuba's Havana Bienal art festival describe the dire conditions the island nation is facing due to a U.S.-induced nationwide blackout. With no power, heat, or clean water, Cubans are living in what one Ohio documentarian calls the 'dark ages.' However, the Ohioans say the Cuban people remain resilient, sharing resources and finding ways to persevere through the crisis.

Why it matters

The blackout in Cuba has become a major geopolitical issue, with President Trump threatening military intervention. This story provides a human perspective on the crisis, highlighting the resilience of the Cuban people and the complex dynamics between the U.S. and Cuba that have led to this situation.

The details

The blackout was caused by a U.S. fuel blockade that cut off Cuba's main oil supplier, Venezuela. This has left Cubans without power to refrigerate food, operate water treatment plants, or access the internet. Outside the capital of Havana, resources are even scarcer, with 'horse and buggy' being the only mode of transportation. Ohio artists and officials who visited Cuba say they saw the once-vibrant streets of Havana empty of tourists, and medical equipment that was decades old. However, they also witnessed acts of community and perseverance, with neighbors sharing food and people dancing through the darkness.

  • In January, the U.S. cut off access to Venezuela, Cuba's main oil supplier.
  • In mid-March, Ohio artist David Griesmyer visited Havana and saw the city go dark.
  • In mid-March, Elon Musk used Starlink technology to temporarily provide free internet access to all of Cuba, which was seen as a historic moment.

The players

David Griesmyer

An Ohio artist who has frequently visited Cuba and witnessed the changes brought on by the blackout.

Michael Reese

A Columbus art consultant who traveled to the Havana Bienal art festival with a group of 60 Ohio artists, business and government leaders.

Lourdes Barrosa de Padilla

A Columbus City Councilmember whose parents fled Cuba's Fidel Castro regime, and who visited the island nation with her mother and daughters.

Tariq Tarey

An Ohio documentarian who is making a film about the Cuban people and the impact of the blackout.

Donald Trump

The U.S. President who has threatened military intervention in Cuba amid the ongoing crisis.

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What they’re saying

“'To see the whole nation just plunge into darkness, it was odd. But then to see all the grandmas holding up battery powered lights in the dark and seeing children kicking a makeshift ball down the streets through the city, everybody was outside talking … It didn't stop them. They're there. There's a fire inside of that. But it was dark. It was dark.'”

— David Griesmyer, Ohio Artist

“'They are so resilient. And I just believe tomorrow's going to be better because if they don't go down the rabbit hole, they'll never get out. So they just push on.'”

— Michael Reese, Columbus Art Consultant

“'It is literally dark ages. Water scarce, internet is gone for weeks on end. Horse and buggy is the only thing that's moving. It is dire. It's absolutely dire.'”

— Tariq Tarey, Ohio Documentarian

“'The challenge is that there's not petroleum, there's not cash. You cannot run a generator either.'”

— Lourdes Barrosa de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember

“'Yes, we want electricity, but we want the freedom to be able to communicate and to to talk to people and know what's going on.' Because that's scarier than not having electricity, just to not know.'”

— Anonymous Cuban Resident

What’s next

The U.S. and Cuba will continue to navigate the complex political dynamics that have led to the ongoing blackout, with the potential for further escalation or diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and perseverance of the Cuban people in the face of a dire humanitarian crisis, while also underscoring the complex geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Cuba that have contributed to the blackout. It serves as a reminder of the human impact of political conflicts and the importance of finding solutions that prioritize the well-being of the people.