Growing Haitian and African Humanitarian Crisis at the Tijuana-San Diego Border Gloria Verdieu - Workers.org
go to original January 2, 2017

Haitian and African Humanitarian Crisis in Tijuana (WorldBeat Productions)

On visits from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico, I was able to learn from Makeda Makossa and Professor Wilner Metelus about the serious humanitarian crisis facing more than 5,000 Haitian and African refugees stranded in Tijuana as they attempt to seek asylum in the United States. The two activists pointed out the horrors facing the refugees and the efforts to assist them.

Makeda Makossa is the heroic founder and developer of San Diego’s World Beat Center in the city’s historic Balboa Park and of the Casa del Túnel across the border in downtown Tijuana, Mexico. Both are important progressive venues in their respective cities.

The two facilities’ cultural activities attract many youth of color, and they are frequently the sites for important political events, most recently the touring photo exhibit that honors Fidel Castro at the WBC, and a Haitian art exhibit in celebration of International Migrant Day at the Casa del Túnel. Makeda has fought tirelessly and successfully to keep both centers open in the face of resistance from local reactionary forces.

Recently, Makeda has devoted much time and effort to raising awareness about the serious humanitarian crisis just over the border in Tijuana. She makes frequent trips to Tijuana’s Casa del Túnel-Cultural Arts Center, where she recently made contact with some of the 5,000 or more Haitian and African refugees stranded at the border with few resources but holding on to the hope of being able to cross into the U.S. eventually.

She transports much needed food, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, toys and other needed supplies donated by individuals and organizations on this side of the border. Making that journey is no easy task. She has to pass through a highly militarized border, coming and going, and many times her van is subjected to searches and scannings, which means a lot of wasted time spent waiting.

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