ABOUT THE AUTHORRoberto Morales was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1966. The son of humble parents, Roberto was the second of three brothers. The sudden death of his father interrupted his childhood at the young age of 12. It was then the beginning of a difficult stage in his life that accelerated the process of his maturity.At the age of 17, his love for the sport and his sense of responsibility led him to become the youngest national orienteering referee in the country. A year later, he was selected as a member of the provincial sports commission.In 1989, after three years of mandatory Military Service, Roberto enrolled in the Higher Institute of Physical Culture in Havana. From the first year, he got outstanding grades thus earning the respect and admiration of his professors and classmates. After two years of arduous and secret preparation and when he was about to finish his degree, the young man fled the country, leaving many who knew him in the greatest surprise.On May 27, 1993, after almost three days of crossing, Roberto and his friends were spotted some thirty-four miles southeast of Marathon Key by a plane from Brothers to the Rescue, an organization that flies the Straits of Florida in search of rafters. Two hours later, the group was rescued by a US Coast Guard.OTHER OPINIONS“These rafters (Roberto and his travel companions) arrived with their batteries set, and nothing stops them.” Magda Lecours, president of AHEAD“Here, he has started a new life with fervor, but at the same time he continues to reflect on the issues and conditions that concern the people and the country that he left behind.” Ellyn Coté, Professor at MDC“Roberto is an exception because of his great organization and dedication.” Sonia J. Francis, Director of Voluntary Services at HealthSouth Doctor's Hospital“I am certain that he will succeed in any project that he decides to undertake [...]. His modest personality and demeanor hide a luminous star. I urge that it be allowed to shine.” Gail T. Friedlander, Professor at MDC“Because of his achievements and dedication, Roberto Morales is Our Pride.” Esteban Lamela, Univision channel 23CREDENTIALS-Crossed/survived the Straits of Florida on a homemade raft.-Author: Esperanza: When the Night Doesn't End, 2018 (previously published under the title 65 Hours with Death) book, Spanish, 240 pages, self-published in 2004).-Protagonist of Black & Blue: A Rafter's Journey, a 60-minute documentary (inspired by the above-mentioned book) that tells the story of a man in search of freedom and hope. Directed by Carmen López, an independent filmmaker from New York, this documentary was awarded Best Documentary, Best Film and the Audience Award in Miami and New York, 2004-2005.-Author: Surviving the Florida Straits: article, 1000 words, English, Latino Studies magazine 2005, 3, (421-423). 2005 Palgrave Macmillan Ltd.PUBLIC APEARANCES-Panelist: The Rafters. Ten Years Later: A two-day symposium organized by Florida International University/Institute for Cuban Studies and the University of Miami/Center for Latin American Studies. July 16-17, 2004-Speaker: Lecture at Miami Dade College/Hialeah Campus, 2004-Panelist: TV, Channel 41 / “A Mano Limpia”, with Oscar Aza, Spanish, 2004-Panelist: TV, Channel 22 / “Polos Opuestos”, with María Elvira Salazar, Spanish, 2004NEWS & MEDIA-Rafters Triumph with Science and Patience. The New Herald, May 29, 1993-Intrepid Rafter Set Sail for Success. The Miami Herald, English, April 15, 1996-A Tale of Two Immigrants. Washingtonpost.com, English, August 1st, 2007.-First Person: Cuban Rafters Describe Their Journeys. Washingtonpost.com, English, Wednesday, August 1, 2007; 12:00 PM-How does it feel? Boca Raton magazine (page 138), January 2008-Shot Down. Documentary, participant, USA.-Cuba: Paradise or Hell. Documentary, participant, France.-Wet Foot, Dry Foot. Short film, advisor to the director, USA.Read more about this authorRead less about this author