Many Cuban Americans In Oklahoma Say Elian Should Stay

Oklahoma may seem far removed from the<br>plight of 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez, but to Cuban Americans in the state it is a matter of daily importance.<br> <br>Oklahoma City minister Harry Black left Cuba

Saturday, January 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma may seem far removed from the
plight of 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez, but to Cuban Americans in the state it is a matter of daily importance.

Oklahoma City minister Harry Black left Cuba in 1989 and says he understands Elian's symbolic importance -- even comparing him to
Moses.

Black says he'd like to see Elian be given a passport to travel between Cuba and the U-S, though he knows that's unrealistic. Many
of the Cuban Americans in Black's congregation believe Elian should
be allowed to stay in the U-S.

The boy was plucked from the ocean Thanksgiving Day and is now at the center of an international custody battle between his father in Cuba and his relatives in Florida.