By: Jessica Vacco
“Credit to Latin American Monitor”
Ciudad Juarez has recently been recognized for being one of the most dangerous cities in the World, racking up over 10,000 murders since 2008. The people of Ciudad and surrounding cities wonder if there is any hope to end the violence, to make even the smallest impact on the murder and mayhem going on in the city. Luckily for them, a determined group of youth from a nearby evangelical church have been reaching out and protesting the violence, instilling even the littlest bit of hope in everyone.
These youth have taken initiative to reach out and speak out about ending the violence. They are strong and determined enough to be standing outside buildings and crime scenes, standing on folding chairs to appear larger, and most notably of all, wearing Angel wings made of cardboard and feathers. They call themselves “Messenger Angels” and carry signs that read “Hired Assasin, repent. Christ loves you,” and other signs showing that they simply do not accept the acts of violence that are happening. The leader of the church, Carlos Mayorga, says he got the “angel” idea from the human statues that appear in many tourist areas.
It’s known that doing activist work, such as this, isn’t always safe in Mexico, in fact, one activist was shot earlier this month in Ciudad. They also receive threats daily, but these youth feel that they can truly make a difference, and thus far they have gotten good publicity from the press.
It’s highly unknown if these “angels” will make any difference in Ciudad, as many protests such as this go unnoticed, but they still, everyday dress in their wings and go spread the message in hopes that they will make an impact. When you think of today’s youth being raised in a city full of violence, it’s hard to believe that they will not follow the path of the violence they see, day in and day out. These youth have already set an example for others in different cities, as it has been heard that “angel movements” have started in various cities. They are setting the example for everyone to get involved, and showing that work like this is needed in crisis times like these.
2 Comments on "“Angels” Speak out against violence in Ciudad Juarez"
Great story! I am a true follower of what has been happening in Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua. My father was born in Chihuahua and many of his family still lives there. I personally feel that the Mexican government has not done enough to protect the women that have been murdered in Juarez. One of the many organizations I follow is Justicia Para Nuestras Hijas (Justice for our Daughters). They are a non for profit organization looking for justice for their murdered loved ones. They feel ignored as many others going through the violence in Juarez. Now we see the youth trying to make a difference and putting their lives on the line everyday. Knowing that the cartel will just gunned them down and their love ones at anytime. Many of the people of Juarez have moved away as many other small towns. The children can’t attend school to get an education and the teachers have been threaten by the cartels not to give classes. The Mexican movie stars, professional athletes and singers should come together and meet with the Mexican government along with the activists and put the pressure on! We here can make a difference by passing along stories such as this one to make people aware of what is happenening in Juarez. They need our help! Isn’t this what we are all about? Giving a helping hand! Let’s make a difference and help these Angels in Juarez!
I agree! Although I didn’t know much about this before my research for this article, after educating myself upon the happenings in Juarez, I am completely for giving a helping hand to these people. That is why I chose to write this article, so we can get the word out about what is happening there.