Sunday, February 2, 2025, Victoria, Texas
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I showed up Sunday for “La Raza Unida” Rally. I hadn’t been to a rally since my younger days, but I knew I had to go and show my support. What was so beautiful about the entire rally was that you could feel the love. I know that might sound a little corny and very “Hippie” of me. But seeing all the positivity, especially in “Trump Country” well it was refreshing, and it made me realize there is still hope for our country.
It was a peaceful rally, and their message was simple and to me reminiscent of the Civil Rights era. And it felt good to be a part of something that protected people’s rights, instead of taking them away.
God knows we’ve had enough of that lately!
Witnessing the solidarity among young and old, mamma’s, daddies, brother and sisters, babies, grandma’s and grandpas. They were there; we were there! Some holding up signs that read, “Immigration Rights are Human Rights“, “Raza Unida“, “Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You” “Love Knows no Borders“, “United for Justice, United for All!” It was a peaceful rally that drew a respectable crowd which started at 4pm on Sunday and ended until it was dark prompting State troopers to assist with traffic safety.
I saw it as a reminder to ALL that as a Mexican people we may not be into all the daily politics but mess with our families and you will see a different side to us. This Mexican proverb comes to mind: El que a su familia ataca, se encuentra con la fiera. (He who attacks his family encounters the beast).
The show of solidarity was impressive considering it started as a two-day Facebook post, and it took off and gained momentum. There were no speeches or promises or threats but only our shared identity, each recognizing that we have had enough of the injustice.
If there is any takeaway from this day, I hope it is the understanding that mass deportations are not just distant headlines; they affect real lives—families get torn apart, dreams are shattered, and communities disrupted. The experience of the Mexican immigrants especially those who have faced the harsh reality of deportations, reflect a continuous battle against systemic injustice and xenophobia. The stories of those who have been deported are filled with pain, undeniable faith in God, and both spiritual and physical strength, along with hope for a better future.
As I stood shoulder to shoulder with others at the rally, I was reminded of the teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’s words resonated deeply, calling us to embody love, mercy, and justice in our fight for dignity.
Here’s how I saw these teachings connecting to our mission that day:
- Blessings for the Marginalized: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) reminded us that those who mourn, who are oppressed, and who seek justice are blessed. At this rally, we uplifted the voices of those who had suffered due to unjust deportations. We stood in solidarity with them, acknowledging their pain and amplifying their stories.
- Love for Our Neighbors: Jesus’s call to love our enemies challenged us to extend compassion even in the face of adversity. In a world that often dehumanizes immigrants, we were there to proclaim that love knows no borders. We gathered not just for ourselves but for the humanity of every individual affected by these harsh policies.
- The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This simple yet profound principle served as a guiding light for our actions. As we advocated for the rights of Mexican immigrants, we reflected on how we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes. This rally was a reminder that we are all part of the same human family.
- Confronting Hypocrisy: Jesus warned against hypocrisy, urging us to look inward before casting judgment. As we rallied that day, we are committed to self-reflection. Are we truly living out the values of a Christian? Are we doing enough to support our brothers and sisters facing deportation?
A Call to Action
The “Raza Unida” rally was more than just a gathering; it was a movement. It was a call to action for all of us to stand up for justice and equality. Here’s how we can continue this important work beyond that day:
- Support Immigrant Rights: Advocate for policies that protect and uplift immigrants, ensuring that their rights are recognized and respected.
- Engage in Community Support: Build networks of support for those impacted by deportation. Whether it’s through legal assistance, emotional support, or advocacy, every little bit helps.
- Educate and Mobilize: Use our voices to educate others about the realities of mass deportations and the importance of solidarity. Mobilize friends and family to join the cause.
- Reflect and Act: Continuously evaluate our actions and beliefs, striving to align them with the values of love, compassion, and justice that we champion.
Conclusion
As I joined fellow advocates at the “Raza Unida” rally, I felt a sense of hope and determination. Together, we weren’t just protesting; we were affirming our commitment to stand against mass deportations and fight for the dignity of every individual. I truly hope that we can carry the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in our hearts as we march forward, united in our pursuit of justice and compassion
