Serigne Mbaye, who was born in Senegal and is now a deputy within the Spanish General Assembly in Madrid, within the Lavapiés neighborhood in Madrid, Spain on October 19.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

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Ricci Shryock for NPR

Serigne Mbaye, who was born in Senegal and is now a deputy within the Spanish General Assembly in Madrid, within the Lavapiés neighborhood in Madrid, Spain on October 19.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

Serigne Mbaye made a life-changing determination in 2006.

The variety of fish in his small city of Kayar, Senegal had dwindled, there was a scarcity of alternative, and Mbaye wished to supply for his household.

So he jumped on a ship one evening, and joined others on a days-long journey throughout the ocean to Spain.

Today, he’s a Spanish citizen and a deputy within the Madrid Assembly.

His journey is parallel to the bigger image of how local weather migration intersects with politics.

Now, he’s extensively thought of one of the vital vocal politicians in Madrid for migrant rights.

Listen to our full report by clicking or tapping the play button above.