Yesterday, roughly 400 people, representing a diverse range of backgrounds, organizations and denominations came out to the state capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska, to support immigrant rights, humane reform and to say NO to a proposed Arizona-style law in Nebraska!
It is important for folks out there beyond Nebraska to understand that there are people advocating for justice in every state, even in so-called "red-states," like Nebraska! There are people everywhere standing up for social justice and humane public policy!
(more after the jump)
It was a beautiful January day, with the sun shining and temps above freezing. The event was organized and supported by a coalition of organizations, with Nebraska Appleseed at the forefront. Other participating groups included: Nebraskans for Peace, the NAACP, the G.I. Forum, Omaha Together One Community, several student groups and prominent members of local Native American tribes, the Mexican-American community, etc. Many religious groups were also represented, including Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, Unitarians, Presbyterians, UCCers, etc.
Here are 76 photos that I took at the rally.
Here is some video of Pastor Lux reading a statement from the Methodist Bishop in Nebraska on immigrant rights.
Even Nebraska police think an Arizona-style law is a bad idea.
Korean War veteran Richard Arellano of the American GI Forum attended today's Unity Rally. "I wonder how many legislatures know what we fought for to create their freedom," said Arellano.
Faith leaders at today's Unity Rally called for a rejection of the divisive Arizona-style immigration law in Nebraska and urged support for common sense federal immigration reform.
Art from yesterday's rally: "Mother of Exiles: 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'"
"This is not who we are. This is not the Nebraska we know," said
Darcy Tromanhauser of the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the
Public Interest.
The story from the Omaha World Herald.
Here is some footage from the local CBS affiliate.
After the rally, we delivered several thousand post-cards to state legislators advocating humane and just immigration reform. It was a very positive and constructive event and offered an alternative vision of community (and America) than the divisive one put forth by the Right!
We need support! If you want to help us beat back this effort to bring an Arizona-style law to Nebraska, please consider giving a donation to Nebraska Appleseed.
And spread the word about what is happening out here by forwarding this diary and recommending it!
Thanks!!