PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – More than 100 people gathered outside the Portland ICE facility Sunday afternoon for a sing-along protest.
“Peaceful, hopeful, happy. I think that’s the general vibe,” said Aaron Elliott, a local music director who participated in Sunday’s protest.
Sunday’s protest welcomed musicians like Elliott, as well as anyone looking to raise their voice through the power of song. With songs like John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” the crowd used music to spread their message.
“There’s so much history in the power of song for so many things: for working, for protesting, for getting the word out and for bringing people together,” Elliot said. “And I think all of those things are true here.”
Lead organizer Dr. Laurie Vessely told FOX 12 she wanted to use music to help spread a message.
“We want to show that it’s everyday Americans that really don’t like what’s happening and we’re doing it in a clearly peaceful manner,” Vessely said.
Sunda’s protest is the second of its kind outside of the ICE facility. The same group first came together in January.
“We did this in January – January 4 and some people were moved to tears by some of the songs,” Vessely said. “And so, it’s really more than standing together. I think it helps build community.”
But Vessely said the group wanted to gather again, hoping that this time, the people behind the gates at the ICE facility might listen.
“We’re singing a song to ICE. And it’s called ‘It’s Okay to Change Your Mind,’” Vessely said. “And it’s basically inviting them to be courageous and to leave behind what they’re doing, and join us in the resistance.”
The group of singing protesters gathered on the sidewalk across the street from the ICE facility for about 90 minutes and performed 13 songs. Vessely said many of the songs were traditional protest songs. But other songs were selected based on their inspirational lyrics and messages.