Fidel Castro’s daughter to speak in Whitt

Many know Fidel Castro as the former leader of Cuba, but few know him as Alina Fernandez’s father.

Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter, will share her story at 7 p.m. today in the Indiana Memorial Union’s Whittenberger Auditorium.

During the lecture, Fernandez will speak about growing up in Cuba and her life after she was exiled from the island, said Dalia Ramirez, staff member for La Casa Latino Cultural Center.

Fernandez is a TV and radio host for a Cuban-exile station, according to an IU press release. She wrote a book, “Castro’s Daughter: An Exile’s Memoir of Cuba,” about growing up in Cuba. The book is meant to raise awareness.

The lecture is sponsored by the Union Board and La Casa. It is also part of International Week.

Ramirez came up with the idea in September. She said Fernandez frequently talks on the radio and is involved in the political scene in Miami, where Ramirez is from.

After hearing about the success Ohio University had when it brought Fernandez to speak, Ramirez knew she wanted to do the same at IU.

Ramirez presented the idea on behalf of La Casa to the Union Board.

Lectures director for the Union Board, Caitlin Van Kooten, said the lecture will give students a different perspective on national policy.

“It’s a rare opportunity to bring something to life,” Van Kooten said.