Grand Rapids, Mi — Over 2,000 people turned out on May 1 2017, at Garfield park to march in solidarity for immigration rights and protections.
Gathering at the park participants danced, sang songs and voiced out chants before organizers led the people on over a three mile march to Calder Plaza located in the heart of the city.
Photos from along the march. Photos By John Rothwell
Leaving the park marchers headed west on Burton to Division Avenue where they turned north. Marchers were greeted with cheers and support from members of the community along the rout as other joined in.
The number of participant grew as they made their way to Calder plaza Watch as the marcher pass under Wealthy St Bridge on Ionia Ave.
The organizers of the march did not obtain a permit causing the Grand Rapids Police Department to scramble into position to close down roads and divert traffic away from the marchers.
Listen to voices from the march
Many people shared a variety of reasons for participating in the march with the common thread being that the Latino community protection against arrest and deportation.
Bernice Garcia from Mexico City interview
Media Works of John Rothwell 