Lawrence, MA     Close to 1,000 people of all nationalities marched through the streets of Lawrence in a March to show support for Immigrant and Refugee Communities. The  March was organized by a coalition of Consecha Lawrence and Lawrence Community activists.

Lawrence is the home of the historic Bread and Roses Strike. The marchers sang the Bread and Roses song in Spanish and English before the marchers took to the streets.The March was militant. Lawrence High School and Middle School students provided great energy. Dancers wearing traditional costumes led the March. The Faith Community was there – Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Union leaders and workers from SEIU also joined the marchers. Students still in school cheered the marchers from the windows of the schools marchers passed.

People from the surrounding suburban communities of North Andover and Andover also attended. There was also a contingent from the Immigrant City of Lowell, MA.

Lawrence is a community of predominantly Latinos from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Central America. ICE has arrested 5 undocumented immigrants who were  doing routine business at the Immigrant office, which ignited a spontaneous protest through the streets of Lawrence several weeks ago.

The people carried many colorful banners which read : Todos Somos Unos, Stand Up Against Racism, Permanent Protection for Immigrants, Never Give Up Your Dreams, Hasta La Victoria Siempre and many others.

Refuse Fascism No! Placards were carried by many in the March. Two Refuse Fascism banners were carried one was “In the Name of Humanity – We Refuse to Accept A Fascist America in Spanish. Another Refuse Fascism banner read NO!

Mass Deportations- Border Wall – Muslim Ban! NO Fascism! Drive Out Trump – Pence – Bannon!”