Yesterday kicked off our week of action with over 109 events across the country!
In Charlotte, North Carolina, 900 attendees were expected for a meeting of African American and immigrant community leaders at St. Paul Baptist Church. However, more than 2,000 people showed up in support of immigration reform.
More than 2,000 people gathered in Charlotte, NC to show support for immigration reform in 2010.
Organizers of the event had to quickly change location to accommodate the extra advocates. This was a great moment to show the widespread support for immigration reform – even our organizers didn’t know just how widespread it was!
It was a packed house at the Charlotte, NC RI4A event!
One attendee took it to our Facebook fanpage later that night and had this to say about the event:
Thank you for bringing the structure together for all of our voices to come together nationally! I was at St. Paul’s in Charlotte, NC tonight and the organizers did a beautiful job. The 2500 capacity place was packed, would have been standing room only if all those children actually took up seats. Seemed like half of the gathering was under 30, and felt like half of those were under 10 years old. I’m excited for the year ahead.
And with even more events planned in the upcoming days, it looks like North Carolina is sending a strong message this week – immigration reform NOW!
Not to be outdone, last night there was a prayer vigil in Aurora, Colorado with over 600 attendees. Community organizations joined forces with interfaith leaders in a faith rally for immigration reform. Dubbed “Friends Keep Promises: The Time for Reform is NOW,” Most Reverend Bishop Conley from the Archdiocese of Denver spoke about the need for understanding and respect in the immigration debate.
Supporters in Aurora, Colorado gather for a prayer vigil for immigration reform in 2010.
One inspired attendee had this to say about the event:
Just returned from the event in Aurora, CO — inspires hope seeing people of many faiths coming together to stand up for what is right. Let justice roll like a river down from our mountains.
Julie Gonzales, state director of the Reform Immigration for America campaign, said that the event stood as just one of a series of rallies and community events nationwide.“We’re launching hundreds of actions,” Gonzalez said. “We’re here because we’re working for comprehensive immigration reform in three areas,” she added, stating the organization would call for reform that provides a path to legal status for the undocumented, one that would seek to improve the economy and offer a path to “reunite separated families.”
Photos of the Charlotte, NC event are courtesy of Zumbazo.com.
To find an event in your area check out our list of events.
Categories: Colorado, North Carolina, West Virginia, comprehensive immigration reform
Tags: 50 state launch, charlotte, immigration reform, nc
