Sánchez Manduley, Celia (1920-1980), was an important figure in the Cuban Revolution that began in 1953. She was a close adviser and trusted companion of the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro . After the revolutionaries took control of Cuba in 1959, Sánchez worked to implement the policies of the new Communist government.
Sánchez was born on May 9, 1920, in the town of Media Luna in eastern Cuba. She was one of eight children. Her mother died when Sánchez was young. Sánchez developed a close relationship with her father, a physician, and eventually worked as his medical assistant. In this role, she came into contact with many poor families and developed a strong sense of social justice. The relationships she formed with the local people during this time proved valuable during the revolution.
In the mid-1950’s, Sánchez became involved with the 26th of July Movement , a revolutionary group seeking to overthrow the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista . She served as an organizer of the group’s urban underground component. She also became responsible for securing supplies and recruits for the group’s guerrilla component based in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
Sánchez joined the movement’s guerrilla fighters in 1957. As unofficial quartermaster of the rebel army, she was in charge of distributing supplies to the fighters. Sánchez also helped coordinate relations with local peasants who would provide food and military intelligence. Cuban revolutionary Raúl Castro called her the “godmother” of the Sierra campaign.
After the revolutionaries triumphed in 1959, Sánchez and Fidel Castro were inseparable. Sánchez’s Havana apartment often became the site of important government business. Sánchez was responsible for establishing a historical archive chronicling the accomplishments of the revolution. She also led efforts to establish the state-run Coppelia ice cream factory and parlor and to build Lenin Park in Havana. Sánchez was a member of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party. She was also a member of the Council of Ministers (Fidel Castro’s cabinet) and Council of State. The Council of State represents Cuba’s National Assembly, the main lawmaking body, between legislative sessions.
Sánchez died of lung cancer on Jan. 11, 1980, with Fidel Castro said to be at her bedside. In Cuba, Sánchez has been celebrated as a dedicated revolutionary. However, many Cubans living outside the country have suggested that Sánchez and Castro had a romantic relationship that clouded her judgment. Several museums in Cuba, including Sánchez’s childhood home, honor her life and accomplishments.
See also Castro, Fidel ; Cuba (The Castro revolution) ; Twenty-sixth of July Movement .
