A young Cuban mother has earned the respect and praise of thousands after bringing aid to the street drummer who was recently assaulted in Matanzas. Her act of solidarity, shared on TikTok, has sparked a wave of supportive messages and recognition.
Anita, identified on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, shared a video where she emotionally explains why she decided to visit and help Yunier, the well-known street musician known as "the crazy drummer," who had been attacked with a knife during a robbery attempt just days earlier. "This young man you see here is loved by everyone in Matanzas because he doesn’t get involved with anyone," the young woman said, adding that "he spends his time in the streets playing these instruments he created, and he has never asked for handouts. He simply plays, and people help him a lot."
Yunier had been the victim of a violent assault days earlier, when he was stabbed near the provincial terminal of Matanzas, allegedly in an attempt to steal the money he had earned during his artistic performance. The attack caused severe injuries to his leg, and he was hospitalized, but he is now recovering at home.
In her post, Anita shares that she found out about what happened through social media and decided to take action: “Yesterday he had an accident; a person attacked him and brutally injured him in one leg. He was in critical condition at the hospital, but thankfully, he is now at home.” The young woman brought some donations and spent some time with him: “I stopped by, I saw him, I spent a little while with him, and I brought him a few things that you might say, ‘Well, it's nothing, Anita,’ but for him, it meant a lot.”
He also stated that he feels happy with what he did and emphasized that "many people from Matanzas" have also contributed. At the end of the video, Yunier himself visibly emotional expresses his gratitude: "I'm improving, but it still hurts... When I try to move my foot, it hurts. But hey, thank you for everything and a million thanks for this help and for all this support. Very, very, very, very grateful."
The post has generated numerous positive reactions. “A million blessings for your beautiful work,” wrote one user, while another commented: “God will fill your life with many more blessings. That gesture of love is the most beautiful thing.” There were also messages like “What a nice gesture on your part. Blessings to you and your family,” “That old man looks very unwell, how sad. Thank goodness you brought him some joy,” and “Those who have the least are often the ones who give the most.”
Expressions of outrage were not lacking in response to the attack on Yunier. "What an abuse," "That news made me feel powerless," "I thought that didn't exist in Cuba," were some of the phrases that reflected the shock among internet users.
This is not the first act of solidarity led by Anita, who has prepared food on several occasions to give to elderly people without homes. This was recently the case when she cooked spaghetti with sausages and sauce to serve hot meals to homeless elderly individuals, using the little she had and cooking even without electricity. In one of the videos, she said: “It’s not about going viral but about raising awareness and getting more people involved.”
In the previous February, she had already touched hearts on social media by preparing yellow rice with corn and salad to share with them. “If a Cuban struggles, imagine these elderly folks who have nowhere to live,” she said at that time, adding: “I decided to contribute a little of what I have, of what you have given me.”
Despite the challenges she faces as a mother in Cuba, Anita has insisted that her motivation is to do good: "I feel really good about what I did," she said at the end of her most recent video. With each gesture, she has managed to build a community that not only supports her but also seeks ways to collaborate with her cause. Her story, far from being an exception, has become a symbol of humanity amidst the Cuban crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solidarity and the Situation in Cuba
Who is Yunier, the street drummer from Matanzas?
Yunier is a street musician known as "the crazy drummer" in Matanzas, Cuba. He is beloved by the community for his talent, creativity, and good nature. Yunier plays a handmade drum set made from recycled objects and never begs for money; instead, he earns his living through his music. Recently, he was the victim of a violent knife attack in an attempted robbery, which has sparked a wave of solidarity and support for him.
How has Anita helped the drummer Yunier and others in need?
Anita, an active Cuban mother on TikTok, has shown her solidarity by helping Yunier after the attack by bringing him donations and companionship. Additionally, she has carried out other acts of kindness, such as distributing food to homeless elderly people in Matanzas, which has moved many on social media. Her motivation is to do good and raise awareness so that more people join in helping the most needy in Cuba.
What impact has the attack on Yunier had on the community of Matanzas?
The attack on Yunier, the street drummer, has generated strong outrage and concern in the Matanzas community and on social media. Many people expressed their condemnation of the violent act, especially since Yunier is a person with a mental disability who poses no threat and whose work is artistic. The lack of safety on the streets of Cuba has been a topic of debate among citizens.
What motivates Anita to continue her acts of solidarity in Cuba?
Anita is motivated by the desire to do good and help the most vulnerable in her community, despite the challenges she faces as a mother in Cuba. She seeks to raise awareness and encourage others to join her charitable initiatives, such as distributing food to homeless seniors. Through her videos, she has managed to build a community that supports her and collaborates with her cause.
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