Alternative Migrant Trail 2020 Day 1 Kat Rodriguez Why We Walk

Since 2004, a group of committed people has gathered to call for an end to migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border.  Each May, participants have embarked on a week-long, 75-mile walk from Sásabe, Sonora, Mexico to Tucson, Arizona to call for an end to migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border and to stand in solidarity with victims of global migration. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants were unable to physically unite to remember those who have died crossing

In order to continue to raise awareness about migrant deaths and to help raise money for local border justice organizations, organizers launched an alternative Migrant Trail Walk experience to bring people together in a virtual environment.  Proceeds benefitted: BorderLinks, the O’Odham Anti-Border Collective, Keep Tucson Together, and the No More Deaths Emergency COVID-19 Bond Fund.

The Migrant Trail 2020 Alternative experience included a week of daily reflections, videos, podcasts, and featured speakers. Part 1 of this series begins with excerpts from Migrant Trail Organizing Committee Member Kat Rodriguez’s presentation “Why We Walk: History of Migrant Trail Walk.”

This has been part 1 of a multipart series. You can learn more about The Migrant Trail on their website and on their Facebook group.

Edited and produced by Amanda Shauger with audio provided by the Migrant Trail Organizing Committee.