DETROIT, MI – On Sunday, November 1, families, community leaders, and voting rights advocates from across Southwest Detroit gathered at Clark Park for “Toda Mi Banda to the Polls,” a celebration of community, culture, and the freedom to vote without intimidation. With live banda music, pickup games, free food, a blessing from a local pastor, and opportunities to connect with neighbors, the gathering sent a clear message: Fear in our community from anything, including ICE, will not determine who gets to participate in our democracy.
Last Sunday’s gathering reflected months of training, organizing, and relationship-building by community organizations and local leaders to respond to voter intimidation tactics. Community leaders and local elected officials united to ensure Southwest Detroit families have the information, resources, and support they need to exercise their right to vote. That groundwork has included connecting neighbors to reliable information and preparing community networks to respond to threats of voter intimidation, including immigration enforcement activity.
“Our community has the right to vote and participate in our democracy without fear or intimidation,” said Cindy Gamboa, Executive Director of MI Poder. “When reports of ICE activity in Southwest Detroit spread fear and uncertainty among Latino families, our community was ready to mobilize—to protect one another, defend our rights, and make sure our voices were not silenced. We are committed to protecting our democracy.”
The gathering at Clark Park was especially important, as the park also served as an in-person early voting site for Southwest Detroit residents, with over 500 people confirmed to have cast their ballots. Rather than allow fear to keep the community away from the polls, voting advocates put that preparation into action.
“Southwest Detroit is a community built on looking out for one another,” said Bianca Cuevas, a community advocate. “We take care of our neighbors, show up for our families, and make space for everyone to belong. That’s what today is about. We won’t let fear change who we are or keep us from coming together. We have a right to feel safe in our neighborhoods, to celebrate our culture, and to make our voices heard.”
El pueblo salva al pueblo.
Banda to the Polls demonstrated the strength of a community committed to protecting everyone’s freedom to participate in democracy. The event was coordinated by MI Poder in collaboration with community partners including Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, 482Forward, Detroit Votes, Rising Voices, Voters Not Politicians, and We The People Michigan.
Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero reflected on the messaging of the event. “We won’t be intimidated and we will not allow fear to keep eligible voters in our communities from casting their ballots. We will meet this moment with solidarity, resolve, and collective action. That is what we did today here in District 6 and I’m so proud of how we all came together.”
MI Poder amplifies the political power and leadership of Michigan’s Latino communities through transformative leadership, grassroots organizing, and justice-driven policy change. Rooted in our collective strength, we’re building a future where our Gente lead, belong, and thrive.
