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Speaking out against hate A group of women dressed in the style of Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot perform a political protest dance to the band's song, "Make America Great Again," during an anti-hate rally Thursday on the Ashland Plaza. Daily Tidings / Denise Baratta Thursday Feb 2, 2017 at 8:21 PM Feb 2, 2017 at 8:33 PM By Julie Akins For the Tidings As darkness fell and temperatures dropped Thursday, about 200 people filled the Ashland Plaza with signs expressing resistance to racial hatred and executive orders by President Donald Trump, particularly an order refusing entrance into the country by refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. The rally, organized by a group called Unite Oregon, was originally planned as a counter-point to white supremacist posters targeting persons of color and immigrants that were posted on utility poles and private property in downtown Ashland last week. The group was also reacting to a truck with swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on it parked in front of City Hall last week, but when President Trump signed orders last Friday creating chaos at airports where people were being turned back, that became part of the rally. “It’s about no ban, no wall and no hate,” said Michelle Glass of Unite Oregon, referring to the orders, the recent hate posters and the administration’s moves to expand a wall between Mexico and the U.S. “There are a million ways they’ll try to divide us," Glass said to the assembled crowd. "Are we going to let them?” The group yelled in response. “No!” “When our community is under attack, what do we do?” she continued. The crowd answered. “Stand up, fight back.” Trump’s order blocked refugees from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, and immigration from Syria indefinitely. Travelers, including permanent residents, were turned away at airports upon arrival in the U.S. Unite Oregon on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration saying his order is unconstitutional. Ashland City Councilor Stefani Seffinger stopped by to check out the rally and signs being posted in businesses around Ashland pledging to serve and support all people, regardless of race, religion, orientation or gender, an effort that was a part of the day’s rally and action. “I very much think hate doesn’t have a place in Ashland," Seffinger said. "My grandparents were illegal immigrants from Poland. I grew up knowing about prejudice. I feel strongly about inclusion.” As signs declaring “Immigrants make America great” waved above the crowd, Alma Rosa Alvarez, an English professor at Southern Oregon University and civil rights activist, told the audience they do not have to tolerate instances of hatred or division. “We have the power to create the community we want,” she said. “A lot of moments they’ll try to divide us and sometimes they may say we can have something for one group if we sacrifice another. Don’t sacrifice anyone! It’s a community about love and respect.” Even after the rally ended, people lingered on the Plaza, talking and exchanging information. Some took to the sidewalk on Main Street and waved to passing cars. Laura Gutierrez, who attended with three little girls and a baby in a carrier on her chest, said, “They need to see the importance of community standing against hatred. They need to know the normal thing is to support each other.” A group of children made sidewalk chalk drawings showing hearts and expressions of unity. Their parents, from a variety of backgrounds, watched and occasionally made spelling suggestions from the sidelines. Jason Sparks also stood in the back, witnessing the action. “I wanted to be part of letting people know we’re a community of love,” he said. He described the evolution of his own family as one of diversity and said he celebrates that change. “I value what I see in my own family and my community.” “I oppose hatred in all its different forms," said Jacob Hopper as he walked the Plaza with a red sign proclaiming his distaste of bias while proudly wearing a Star Trek T-shirt. "Now is the time to take action. This is ridiculous. ... I’m a veteran and I didn’t spend four years in uniform to see people oppressed. I didn’t serve to see the First Amendment and free press trampled. The truth is sacred. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” This was the second rally by Unite Oregon in Southern Oregon. The first was in Medford. They plan on organizing another in the Talent-Phoenix area for residents there. Glass said they plan to continue offering support against hate. “Our community members need this. We believe all our community members need this. We are inspired by affirmation.” — Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/@julieakins.