In recent years, with the advancements in technology and the high speed of spreading information, the world has become more connected than ever. The transferring of information has had huge benefits for society, but with all of this sharing; the powers that be feel the need to censor. Here in the United States, censorship is not nearly as strict as it is in other countries. Countries like that of Cuba have some of the most intense censorship laws in the entire western hemisphere. Their censorship of newspapers, music, television, books, and especially the internet have earned Cuba the lowest ranking when it comes to freedom of press.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo, visited Kean University to spoke about the censorship in Cuba. A social activist, author, blogger, photographer, and journalist, Lazo promoted his culture while hoping to spread the word and change the future for the Cuban people.

Lazo's photo blog which he calls a "Bridge of Pixels" captures moments through his eyes. His photos represent his creativity and what he wants the world to see. His pride for Cuba is shown throughout these photos. Audience member Daisy Luiz, a senior communications major stated, "I was so interested to attend this lecture. I am a communications student and I came to hear Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo speak about his culture."

Lazo went on to explain that Cuba has limited access to the internet. Internet privileges are normally only used by the non-citizens of Cuba, and with strict censorship laws, even the news is suppressed. If that was not bad enough, the internet in Cuba is also one of the most expensive in the world. It costs four times the average annual salary to have internet in Cuba.

Kehaulani Vegas a junior recreation major responded to the lecture by saying, "It was awesome to see a person like Lazo at Kean University. I enjoy learning about different countries.  I came to the lecture just to come and I am leaving with learning much more than I hoped."

Blogging has become a popular hobby in Cuba. With blogging, the citizens of Cuba have gained somewhat of a voice and have been able to break through the censorship by posting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues along with opinionated articles. Lazo added, "In Cuba, freedom of expression is constitutional" and they have conducted a committee to protect journalists as an independent nonprofit organization.

The lecture ended with questions and answers from the audience. Different topics were brought up and Lazo answered them to the best of his knowledge. Ryan Duffy a senior education k-12 with history major responded to the lecture saying, "It was neat to see someone from a country like Cuba because it is a suppressed country. He confirmed all the history that I am learning in a Cuban History class. It was a great lecture."

To see Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo's blog please visit http://orlandoluispardolazo.blogspot.com/