Cuban content creator Yeison López has sparked a new wave of solidarity on Instagram this Friday by highlighting the story of a Cuban worker juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. He invited his followers to decide whether to gift the man a motorcycle or a bicycle.
In the video, the featured individual describes a day that starts before dawn: "Every day I wake up at six in the morning, help my grandparents, carry water—that's my daily task—and then go out to hustle for the household, doing whatever it takes to eat and survive." His income comes from various sources, including cutting hair, running errands, yard work, construction, and house painting.
The man admits that his physical strength has limits, especially when he has to walk long distances: "Sometimes the body just can't take it because it's too much walking."
What stands out most in his story is the mention of his savings. He had saved up money intending to buy a bicycle, but necessity intervened: "Here in Cuba, it's very hard to eat, and I had to dip into those savings," he confesses in the video.
Yeison expressed his viewpoint in the video but left the decision to his followers: "I would honestly give him a motorcycle because I believe he deserves it more than a bicycle. But since you all make this possible with your comments, interactions, likes, and shares, I'm leaving it up to you this time—motorcycle or bicycle?"
Various users shared their opinions in the comments, some arguing that a motorcycle would be better, while others favored a bicycle due to fuel issues. Regardless of the choice, the video's real value lies in showcasing this man's daily struggles and sacrifices.
This case follows a trend that the content creator has established on his social media platforms. In July, he documented the story of Dainer, a 12-year-old from Bahía Honda, Artemisa, who climbed 20-meter royal palms with homemade ropes and walked kilometers barefoot to attend school. The video surpassed 450,000 views, and Dainer's dream came true: he received a black Concorde bicycle with disc brakes, Nike sneakers, and financial aid for his family.
In September, López once again rallied his community by sharing the story of Miguel, a boy who sells sweets, walking two kilometers to the beach to avoid asking his mother for money.
The final decision to aid this hardworking Cuban now rests with the online community: will it be a motorcycle or a bicycle?
Community Support and Choices for Cuban Workers
What are the challenges faced by the Cuban worker featured in Yeison López's video?
The Cuban worker faces numerous challenges, including waking up early to help his grandparents, carrying water, and juggling multiple jobs such as barbering, running errands, yard work, construction, and house painting to survive. Long walking distances also take a toll on his physical strength.
Why did Yeison López leave the decision of gifting a motorcycle or bicycle to his followers?
Yeison López left the decision to his followers to engage them actively in supporting the Cuban worker. He acknowledged their role in making such charitable acts possible through their comments, interactions, likes, and shares.
What previous stories has Yeison López shared that highlight Cuban struggles?
Yeison López has shared stories like that of Dainer, a 12-year-old who climbed royal palms to support his family and walked kilometers to attend school. Another story featured Miguel, a boy selling sweets to avoid asking his mother for money. Both stories highlight the resilience and challenges faced by Cubans.