A young Cuban mother has garnered widespread admiration for her heartfelt gesture toward a street drummer who was recently attacked in Matanzas. Her act of solidarity, shared on TikTok, has sparked a wave of supportive and appreciative messages.
Identified on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, Anita shared a video expressing why she felt compelled to visit and assist Yunier, the popular street musician affectionately known as "el loquito baterista." Days before, Yunier had been stabbed during an attempted robbery. "This young man you see here is beloved by everyone in Matanzas because he doesn't bother anyone," Anita explained, adding, "He spends his days playing these self-made instruments on the streets and has never begged. He simply plays, and the people support him greatly."
Yunier was the victim of a violent assault days earlier when he was stabbed near the Matanzas provincial terminal, allegedly for the earnings he made from his musical performances. The attack left him with severe leg injuries, requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, he is now recuperating at home.
In her post, Anita explained that she learned about the incident through social media and felt compelled to help: "Yesterday, he suffered an accident; someone attacked and brutally injured his leg. He was in critical condition at the hospital, but thanks to God, he is now home." She brought some donations and spent time with him: "I stopped by, spent a little time with him, and brought him some things that you might say, 'It's nothing, Anita,' but to him, it meant a lot."
Expressing her joy in helping, Anita emphasized that "many people from Matanzas" have also contributed. At the end of the video, Yunier, visibly touched, expressed his gratitude: "I'm getting better, but it still hurts... When I try to move my foot, it hurts. But hey, thanks for everything and a million thanks for these contributions and all this help. Very, very, very, very grateful."
The post has elicited numerous positive reactions. "A million blessings for your beautiful work," one user commented, while another remarked, "God will shower you with many more blessings. That act of love is the most beautiful." Other messages included sentiments like "What a nice gesture from you. Blessings to you and your family," "That old man looks so bad, what a sadness. Thank goodness you brought him some joy," and "Those who have the least, give the most."
There were also expressions of outrage over the attack on Yunier. "What an abuse," "That news filled me with impotence," "I thought that didn't happen in Cuba," were some of the phrases highlighting the shock among netizens.
Anita's act of kindness is not her first. She has previously prepared food for homeless elderly individuals. Recently, she cooked spaghetti with sausages and sauce to distribute hot meals to the homeless, using what little she had and cooking even without electricity. In one of her videos, she stated, "The goal isn't to go viral, but to raise awareness and encourage more people to join in."
Earlier in February, she had moved people on social media by preparing yellow rice with corn and salad for distribution. "If Cubans struggle, imagine these elderly folks who have nowhere to live," she said at the time, adding, "I decided to give a little of what I have, from what you all have given me."
Despite the hardships she faces as a mother in Cuba, Anita has emphasized that her motivation is to do good: "I feel super good about what I did," she said in her latest video. Through each act, she has built a community that not only supports her but also seeks ways to contribute to her cause. Her story, far from being an exception, has become a symbol of humanity amid the Cuban crisis.
FAQs About Kind Acts in the Cuban Crisis
Who is Yunier, the street drummer in Matanzas?
Yunier, known as "el loquito baterista," is a beloved street musician in Matanzas, Cuba, who plays self-made instruments and never begs. He was recently attacked during an attempted robbery.
What inspired Anita to help Yunier?
Anita was moved by Yunier's situation after learning about his attack through social media. She decided to visit him, bringing donations and spending time with him to offer support and encouragement.
How has the community reacted to Anita's gesture?
Anita's act of kindness has received widespread praise and support from the community, with many expressing gratitude and admiration for her efforts to help those in need.