30-03-2025
Holland community gathers for Unity Demonstration
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Hundreds of people gathered in Holland Saturday morning for a Unity Demonstration and March, organized by I AM Academy. Community members of all ages and backgrounds walked more than a mile calling for justice, solidarity and positive change.
Holding signs and chanting, marchers crossed the Unity Bridge while cars honked in support. Organizers said the event aimed to stand against recent policy changes that they feel are dividing communities and to demonstrate the power of unity.
Miguel Mendoza Muñoz, a senior at West Ottawa High School and a first-generation American, said the march was about more than just walking.
'My journey here was not easy. It was hard,' Muñoz said in front of a crowd. 'We are unified by our community. We have the resources to help you. … I want to make positive change — change to benefit you and those of tomorrow.'
The demonstration also highlighted the struggles faced by local immigrant families.
'Seeing a bunch of my family members struggle with fears of being deported and trying to get citizenship is really hard,' Yazlén Ochoa, a Holland High School student, said. 'The Latino community overall, we're super hardworking and committed to getting a better life for all of our families.'
Owen Baer, a junior at Holland High School, said he attended because he was frustrated by the way the government is handling immigration.
'I think our government is starting to lead through fear rather than through facts and compassion and love,' Baer said.
Xavier Murphy, also a junior at Holland High School, was another speaker at the event. His speech centered around having a seat at the table. He said seeing the community unite was powerful, especially people who come from all different kinds of backgrounds.
'It's really heartwarming to see that everyone is here to support one big cause,' Murphy said.
Lindsay Cherry, cofounder of I AM Academy, emphasized the importance of showing up for one another.
'It's important that we support our neighbors,' Cherry said. 'The Black and brown communities are here, and we are very much in support of each other. That's what today is all about.'
Cherry, who said Saturday's march was just the beginning, explained her motivation for organizing the event.
'I am a mother,' Cherry said. 'Unfortunately, the policies that are being changed are impacting the things that they're dreaming about.'
High school students who spoke at the event said the march was a statement to show that, in the face of challenges, the community will stand together.
Kelsey Simpson, a high school student and member of I AM Academy, spoke about the importance of unity.
'You can't win a war by yourself,' Simpson said. 'There's strength in numbers, and we all need love and a team to really get things done.'
Elijah Reynolds, another high school student and I AM Academy member, said the march was a reminder that solidarity transcends differences.
'It's a great feeling, seeing people that don't look like me, don't act like me, talk like me, here to support the same things that I'm supporting,' Reynolds said. 'It feels like I got your back, you got mine.'
Cherry said I AM Academy plans to hold similar events to continue building unity and advocating for change.
The march was a collaboration with Boys and Girls Club, CultureWorks, Upward Bound TRIO, Out On The Lakeshore, Maple Avenue Ministries, Third Reformed Church, Bluestocking Bookshop and Justice and Reconciliation Ministry at Hope Church.
Organizers hope the momentum from Saturday's march will inspire future advocacy and action.
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