In December 2010, if you had told me that this portrait, shot in this location was going to happen, I would have laughed and told you that it was a foolish dream. But then again, if you had told many people about what Cuba would like in 2016, “foolish dream” wouldn’t be too far off. In December 2010, I was sitting in a cigar bar in Atlanta talking to Frank Herrera. It was the first time I’d ever spoken at length to a Cuban-American about Cuba, and Herrera was taking me to school, or church, perhaps both. Herrera, like many Cuban-Americans, has some strong thoughts about the country, its leaders and its cigar company. But unlike most Cuban-Americans, Herrera has actually taken on Corporation Habanos S.A., in court. By trade, he’s an attorney specializing in trademarks. His clients include a laundry list of cigar companies. He’a also a brand owner, best known for his La Cardidad del Cobre cigars, and by my count, he’s the third blogger to be featured in this series. While I don’t agree with Herrera on every position he has about Cuba, I learned a lot that night, including two lessons that have stuck with me since. ...
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