Wednesday, March 15, 2006

'A people united' for immigrants

100,000 march in Chicago: Support immigration rights

By Karen Hawkins, The Associated Press

The Courier News online: Mario Leguizamo's sign wasn't the largest at a march for immigrant rights that drew tens of thousands and brought downtown traffic to a virtual standstill for hours. But it certainly was one of the most eye-catching.

Leguizamo's hand-lettered sign reading "Cheney Shoots Friends but We're Criminals?" drew amused double-takes from many who marched past it on their way to a political rally with all the festivity of a good old-fashioned Chicago parade.

Students like Leguizamo and housewives pushing strollers marched side by side with construction workers, mechanics and senior citizens. Some marchers called out the names of their neighborhoods or suburbs, while others took up enthusiastic chants like "Si, se puede (Yes, it can be done)" and "La raza unida nunca sera vencida (A people united will never be defeated).

Chicago police estimated that more than 100,000 marchers came from all over the Chicago area, many carrying — or wearing — Mexican and American flags. The protest was spirited, but peaceful, and there were no reported arrests or incidents.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

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