Latinos and others drove decorated cars around neighborhoods on Cleveland’s Near West Side on Saturday to show support for Puerto Rico and for Democrats in Tuesday’s elections.
The event, which started at Lincoln-West High School, was organized by Cleveland Council Member Jasmin Santana (whose Ward 14 includes parts of the city’s Near West Side), retired Judge Jose Villanueva and the activist group LatinOHs.
A number of participants said the election has taken on greater urgency after a comedian speaking at a recent rally for former President Trump called Puerto Rico a “floating piece of garbage.”
In a statement before Saturday’s event, Santana referenced the controversial comment.
“We will not let hate silence us,” she said. “Instead, we will channel our frustration into action and make our voices heard at the polls.”
Villanueva added, “If there was ever any doubt what was at stake, now it is much more evident.”
