Weld Latinos to take part in Denver immigration rally

Like a sleeping giant, an attentive audience of about 70 in the basement of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church awakened Thursday night.

"No va a dormir mas. Todos tenemos derechos," said Latinos Unidos founder Sylvia Martinez -- which translates roughly to, "It is not going to sleep any longer. Everybody has rights."

On Saturday, the ministry Congregations Building Community will bus dozens from Weld County to Denver, where they will join others from around the state in a protest at Civic Center Park. The march is specifically about immigration reform bills before Congress. Generally, it is about dignity, said Ron Marks of Congregations Building Community.

At the meeting, an immigration lawyer explained how a bill becomes a law in what sounded like a crash course in American government. And Latino leaders assured no one could be arrested for speaking up. But this wasn't an information meeting. It was a call to action.

Part of recruiting supporters from Greeley included explaining individual rights and easing fears about being arrested or unlawfully questioned by police.

"They're afraid of going down to protest and immigration is go-ing to be there to take them," said Oralia Lozano, also a leader in the ministry. "They are not used to getting involved in politics."

Once those fears were addressed, people committed to attend and to bring others as well, hoping a big turnout would teeter an outcome in their favor.

"Six, seven, three, 10 ... 25," people shouted the number of supporters they promised to recruit. If the commitments are fulfilled, nearly 200 people from Weld will head to Denver. The ministry said it would get a second bus at Our Lady of Peace to help with transportation. Others will car pool.

"It is about dignity. That is the motivating factor," Marks said.

WHERE TO GO

Meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1311 3rd St., Greeley. Buses will be available as well as some car pools. The protest begins at 10 a.m. at Civic Center Park at Broadway and Colfax. Information: Jordan Garcia in Denver, (303) 919-8798.