PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - A solidarity rally was held Wednesday night at a Northeast Portland church for an often-overlooked group. Organizers aimed to raise awareness and show support for immigrants from Africa amid the immigration crackdown.

Oregonians came together in solidarity and song at a rally at Augustana Lutheran Church.

“We’re living in dire times, there is a lot of chaos, there is a lot of uncertainty, I want to turn to my neighbors,” said Cameron Whitten, organizer and founder of Brown Hope.

The solidarity rally was in support of African immigrants, a community that one of the event’s organizers said is often overlooked.

“On the one hand, they have almost extra energy on them as targets of enforcement, and on the other hand, they’re erased in these conversations, and we want to change that,” said Je Amaechi, organizer and organizing director of Unite Oregon

Amid increased enforcement, the church has served as a safe haven for immigrants, and Pastor Mark Knutson emphasized that ongoing conversations are crucial to further this work.

“Our immigrant neighbors are hurting, let’s stand up, or you may be an immigrant and say I’m hurting, but we have to do that collectively, and it’s every day of the week,” said Knutson.

At the rally, leaders described the effects of the crackdown on those they know, sharing with the crowd the community’s challenges and struggles.

Organizers said events like this, which center around community, are what will drive the country to change.

“The future is in our own hands, and we’re not going to just let things just happen to us, we’re not going to like roll over, we’re going to fight for what we believe we deserve,” said Amaechi.

“This is the type of space for us to come together and dream and imagine for the better future, and so this is necessary, and so for anyone who feels tired, or feels exhausted, or scared, you’re not alone,” said Whitten.

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