Buenaventura, a Pacific port city in Colombia, is coveted by economic and criminal interests. The people of Buenaventura have been caught in the middle of brutal battles to control their homes and the land they live on. Danelly Estupiñán, an Afro-Colombian social leader, is part of the effort to give power back to the people and pave a new path for peace.
Without arms or money, we are contributing to the preservation of Colombia
as a pluriethnic and multicultural country.
In May 2017, the Buenaventura Civil Strike Committee—composed of prominent social leaders in the city, including Danelly—convened hundreds of thousands of Buenaventurans to a peaceful strike that lasted 22 days. Danelly believes the strike inspired new leaders who continue work for equitable development, justice, and peace.
Written and created by the Washington Office on Latin America.
Produced by Lantigua Williams & Co.
Edited by Virginia Lora, with help from Jen Chien.
Mixed by Michael Aquino and Kojin Tashiro.
Production help by Michael Aquino and Carolina Rodriguez.
Hosts for the podcast were Darryl Chappell for the English episodes and Divalizeth Murillo for the Spanish episodes.
Expert insight provided by Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, WOLA’s Director for the Andes.
English voiceover for Danelly was Alanna R.
Follow Danelly on Twitter
#SOSBuenaventura: Follow this hashtag for updates on the latest actions to protect peace in Buenaventura.
More Ports, Less Community: Danelly’s research into the impact of development projects in Buenaventura. (Spanish)