El Porvenir

Cuando hay tortilla, no hay carne. Cuando hay carne, no hay tortilla. 

The view from the top was breathtaking, but getting there took all the stamina we had. Two weeks ago Quixote Center traveled in Nicaragua with our colleagues from Peaceworks. Among many other encounters, we visited the El Porvenir coffee cooperative, located at the top of a nearly inaccessible mountain. A tractor pulled us up the dusty trail in a cart...  

The community, 52 families in total, produces all of its certified organic coffee for export, using the income to support their families and their self-governing little town. If they sold the green beans locally, they would get a lower price, although the export price they get, about $2.75 per pound, is still low. Too low to cover their basic needs, which include turning the dusty trail into a passable road, pumping water up the mountain, and electricity. 

Take Action

Say NO to New Sanctions in Nicaragua

Senators Rubio and Kaine have introduced a new Senate bill that would impose wide-reaching sanctions on Nicaragua that could seriously damage the country's economy. Help stand in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua by telling your Senator to say NO to this bill. 

 Take Action for Peace in Haiti

Join us in fighting to stop the gun running to Haiti by asking your Representative to co-sponsor the U.S.-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2023. Armed gangs have taken control of most of Haiti, and the violence is devastating: 600 people died in Port-au-Prince in April of 2023 alone. The gangs can expand and maintain power because they are highly armed, and the U.S. is a major source of these weapons. 

Use this form to urge your Representative to support the bill!

If your member of Congress is one of the co-sponsors listed HERE, we ask that you instead send a thank-you message. 

Artist Corner

Naderson Saint-Pierre

Naderson Saint Pierre is a self-taught artist from Haiti and is currently based in New York City. Saint-Pierre's vibrant paintings and portraits often explore Black culture and heritage, delve into political and social issues, and highlight Black leaders and public figures. To see more of Naderson Saint-Pierre's work, visit his art page HERE. 

Portrait photographed by Steven Baboun