Carrying a message of hope, justice and fair immigration reform, about 30 people from multiple organizations around the state marched in Albert Lea on Sunday, during what was the last of a series of reform marches over the weekend.

The event, called “The Journey of Hope: Minnesota March for Justice Opportunity and Against Racism,” began at the North Broadway Parking lot and went south on Broadway Avenue to the Freeborn County Government Center. Representatives from organizations such as Centro Campesino, The Advocates for Human Rights and the Interfaith Immigrant Coalition, to name a few, participated, along with a handful of local residents.

The group, whose members carried red flags and signs with phrases such as “Yes we can!” and “No human is illegal,” sang and chanted phrases as they walked through the streets.

People periodically honked their horns at the group as they passed. The event was met with minimal opposition.

Ernesto Velez Bustos with Centro Campesino said though the march was a short one, it was “very effective.”

A handful of members of the Minnesota Peace Team were also on hand in case any disturbances were to arise. Only one man protested the group.

At the end of the march, the group formed a circle and shared thoughts next to the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial in front of the Freeborn County Government Center.

Madeline Lohman, program associate with The Advocates for Human Rights, out of Minneapolis, said she doesn’t think she and others realized what kind of situation is in Albert Lea and Austin with immigration. She said she was pleased with how the event and the workshops held prior went.

The Rev. Loren McGrail of the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration, shared a prayer at the event.

She cited a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”

She prayed for justice to come in Albert Lea and throughout the country “to carry forward our desire for humane and just reform, your desire for one beloved community.”

McGrail said about 20 people attended the Albert Lea workshop put on by The Advocates for Human Rights and Resource Center of the Americas on Sunday afternoon.

The workshop on Saturday in Austin included members of the National Socialist Movement, she noted. The workshops included a presentation highlighting local Latino community members speaking out about immigration and a reflection about how immigration impacts communities, according to a news release.

Other organizations involved included the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Coalition, ISAIAH, Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Strengthening Our Selves, SEIU Local 26, Resource Center of Americas, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and Family & Children’s Services, according to a news release.

Carey HeartBorne, a member of the Minnesota Peace Team out of the Twin Cities, said she was glad there was not more opposition at the event on Sunday.

“We just want to protect everyone’s human rights and make them feel like they can participate without fear,” HeartBorne said.