Her husband’s arrest marked a dramatic change in Pollán’s life.  While she searched for answers following his arbitrary arrest, Pollán found many other women in similar positions.  Leaving her teaching behind, she founded the Damas de Blanco along with a dozen other women whose husbands, fathers and brothers were among those imprisoned.  The damas became a weekly sight on Havana’s Fifth Avenue where they marched on Sundays after mass, each woman wearing white and holding a gladiola in her hand.

Under Pollán’s leadership, the group grew to about 30 core members with several other affiliated groups, including the Damas de Apoyo (Ladies of Support).  Pollán possessed the courage to speak out against the Cuban government and the human rights abuses they committed.  The international community took notice of her bravery and in 2005 the European Parliament awarded the group the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.  However, the Cuban government never granted Pollán the necessary visa to travel to Europe to accept the award. 

Over the years, the damas have garnered a great deal of sympathy among Cuban citizens, provoking the Cuban government’s campaign of defamation and insults against them.  Pollán’s house in central Havana was the unofficial headquarters for the women and was often subjected to government sponsored “acts of repudiation” by very vocal and increasingly violent, pro-government mobs. 

Earlier this year, when the last of the political prisoners detained in the 2003 Black Spring crackdown were released from prison, Pollán understood that although her husband was finally released from prison, the fundamental human rights conditions in Cuba remained.  Pollán vowed to continue the marches for other prisoners and she spoke about plans to expand their work outside of Havana.  As she stated to the Associated Press in March, “We are going to continue.  We are fighting for freedom and human rights.  As long as the government is around, there will be prisoners…” 

Pollan’s resilience and unwavering leadership has left an indelible mark on Cuban society.  As prominent Cuban human rights activist, Elizardo Sanchez stated, “She was a teacher and a housewife, but she became a leader for civil rights.  She has played a fundamental role, without a doubt, even beyond winning freedom for her husband.” 

The role that she held within the Damas de Blanco is expected to be taken up by co-founder, Berta Soler who announced the news of Pollán’s death.  Two days after her death, the group mourned Pollán in an emotional march following her death that for the first time included a group of men in their ranks.  More than 100 people took part in the march, the largest group in memory, and they shouted “Laura Pollán lives!” instead of their customary “Freedom for political prisoners!”

Pollán’s legacy, one of leadership and strength in the face of oppression, will continue to provide inspiration to others in their continuing struggle for freedom of speech and association in Cuba.  There is no doubt that when the day comes that the people of Cuba are free to exercise their fundamental rights freely, Laura Pollán will be remembered as a crusader for freedom.

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