KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — It was one of the largest demonstrations yet in Kalamazoo, as a huge crowd turned out in Bronson Park on Friday to protest the Trump administration’s immigration order.
They came out, even though the weather wasn’t very pleasant and the courts had already partially dismantled the presidential order as unconstitutional.
There were far more in the crowd than anticipated. Only about half the crowd could hear the public address system brought for the event. They had to employ a bull horn with only moderate success.
Western Michigan University President John Dunn thanked the crowd on behalf of their international students. WMU professor and two-time congressional candidate Paul Clements says Kalamazoo “gets it.”
There was a long list of speakers, including clergy, local officials and immigrants. The protestors filled the park from the Rotary Stage out beyond the reflecting pool, most bearing anti-Trump signs.
Two more events are planned this week. A public forum on immigrant rights will be held Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Bernhard Center. It is sponsored by international students at WMU.
There will also be a rally to support Planned Parenthood on Saturday at 9 a.m. at their health center on West Michigan Avenue.
