Obama sparks peace, immigration rallies

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - As excited graduates prepared for President Barack Obama's message in Monday night's commencement, some activist groups were trying to make their voices heard, as well.

The first of two scheduled rallies was held around 5 p.m. About 30 people gathered for what they called a peace and justice rally at a Western Michigan University parking lot near Stadium and Oliver.

The group, comprised of the following organizations -- the Department of Peace Campaign, the Great Lakes Peace Jam, Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War, the Justice and Peace Guild of Kalamazoo College, and Skyridge Church of the Brethren -- welcomed Obama but delivered a message of nonviolence.

It's about spending less on war and more on education, and the effort to curb violence in schools, according to the group.

"Teaching our young people peace (and) education back in the school setting, we think is really vital for creating a bright future for everyone," organizer Jen Stroven said.

The organizations also are against military recruiters in schools targeting minorities, and telling them the military is their only option for the future. These groups do not support the criminalization of undocumented students, which prevents them from attending college, according to representatives.

The second rally, held at Bronson Park, focused on immigration. The organizing groups were Reform Immigration for America, and the Michigan Organizing Project. Several hundred people attended.

Those protestors voiced their opposition to what they called discriminatory immigration laws, such as the one passed in Arizona.

That law, protestors said, discriminates against hard-working people who have sweat and bled to make the country better.

"A lot of those people who have been here for years -- they are not criminals. They are just families looking for a better opportunity of life," organizer Jose Aguilera said.

The majority Hispanic gathering urged Obama to keep his campaign promise and pass comprehensive reform.

"He hasn't fulfilled the promise," organizer Gema Lowe said. "So, we're here to tell him to step up and fulfill the promise."