“How do we invest in ourselves?” That was the question by Federal Deputy (Mexico’s equivalent of a U.S. House Representative). Roselia Suarez as she spoke to a small group at Detroit’s Vamonos cafe on W. Vernor Hwy. this past Sunday afternoon. Suarez, from Michoacan, Mexico, and member of Morena’s political party spoke with residents, including local organizers and educators, about Morena’s upcoming initiatives.
Five federal deputies from Mexico’s Morena Political Party (Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional or National Regeneration Movement) are planning to tour 53 Mexican consulates in the United States, as well as several in Canada. The tour aims to connect with the Mexican diaspora and elevate grassroots concerns related to immigration, economic inequality, and cross-border community organizing.
The event was hosted by Vámonos, a community-driven space known for its cultural gatherings such as local documentary screenings and political education work, and it was organized by Elena Herrada and Jennifer Jones. Herrada, a longtime Detroit activist, praised the venue as a hub of youthful energy and Mexican pride.
“Vámonos is full of young Mexican energy,” Herrada said. “The owner, Denisse (Lopez) and her husband Carlos are doing real political education that centers our community.”
During her visit to Detroit, federal deputy Suarez talked at length about the 4th transformation – a promise originally made by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (who is often referred to by the nickname AMLO) in regards to the economic gap that exists between high government officials and the impoverished population in Mexico.
“In Mexico, we have a high level of poverty. Obrador’s phrase of ‘the poor first’ is an invitation to prioritize Mexicans who want to leave due to that poverty without investing in ourselves,” Saurez said. “How do we invest in ourselves?”
Among those in attendance was Josh Medina, a member of Asamblea Popular, a local grassroots organization working at the intersection of immigrant rights and social justice.
“This is about international solidarity. It’s not about us helping them or them helping us, it’s about us working together,” Medina said.
Rogelio Landin, President of LULAC Detroit, agrees.
“Gracias a Vamonos for hosting representatives of Mexico’s Morena Party as they outreach to Mexican communities to share their presence and efforts to support and facilitate bilateral access to Mexico,” Landin said.
Part of this bilateral access is the “Finabien card” which allows for sending and receiving money to and from Mexico, usually with lower fees than traditional methods. The card can be used internationally.
Suarez also emphasized the need for grassroots collaborations for change.
“This party is a movement,” Suarez said. “There will always be social justice fights – they will have a place in this party.”
NOTE: For more information about the Finabien card, visit https://bit.ly/FinabienMexicoCard
