The Michigan Action for Cuba Committee (MACC) is hosting a medicine drive to help bring essential resources and supplies to Cuba, which is in an economic crisis. MACC will deliver the supplies on the International May Day Brigade, a trip scheduled for late April-early May.
Donation centers are available at various locations across Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Jackson and Ypsilanti. With President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the possibility of taking over Cuba, the MACC is working to educate the public on what is happening and build solidarity.
MACC member Michael Amirault spoke to the Lanthorn about the organization’s goal.
“In essence, (our goal is to) let Cuba decide its own destiny, domestically and internationally,” Amirault said.
The medicine drive is seeking $5-$10 donations, as well as donations of unopened and unexpired medicine. The group is specifically asking for over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl, Neosporin and Aspirin, with a particular emphasis on children’s medicine. Additionally, the drive will also accept non-medicinal items like flour, baby formula, condoms and vitamins. As of Tuesday, March 24, the the May Day Brigade’s GoFundMe for the drive has raised $34,741.
The MACC was founded as solidarity with Cuba began to grow throughout Michigan. According to MACC member Vanessa Rodrigeuz, the organization was created to centralize many different efforts that were happening across the state. The MACC is part of the National Network on Cuba that demands an end to the U.S. blockade, removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and return of Guantánamo Bay to Cuban sovereignty. The MACC also collaborates with the Venceremos Brigade, an international organization founded in 1969 by the Students for a Democratic Society and Cuban officials.
Over the weekend, the MACC held a screening in Ypsilanti of “Teresita’s Dream,” a documentary of a promising Alzheimer’s treatment that was developed in Cuba. Looking to the future, the group is planning to host more educational events and continue to raise material aid for Cuba. Additionally, they are planning to bring 80 people to Cuba to participate in the May Day Brigade.
“The principal goal lately has been to bring more aid than we ever have before in light of the U.S.-made humanitarian catastrophe happening right now,” Amirault said.
For decades, Cuba has struggled with food, fuel and electricity shortages, leaving many without essential resources needed to survive. According to Rodrigeuz, Cuba’s economic crisis is the result of the blockade and a history of U.S. interference. Tensions are additionally rising as Trump confirmed with reporters that he has plans to “take” Cuba and remove its current President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, once the conflict in Iran is settled.
“As a member of MACC, and as a Cuban American, I strongly oppose statements that suggest U.S. control or intervention in Cuba,” Rodrigeuz said. “ Statements like that only reinforce why international solidarity and organizing efforts like ours are necessary.”
