Black leaders back immigration rally

Dallas: Tens of thousands expected at Sunday protest

10:22 PM CDT on Wednesday, April 5, 2006

By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News

In a show of ethnic solidarity, Dallas black politicians and civil rights advocates joined with Hispanic leaders Wednesday to promote a planned rally Sunday against U.S. immigration laws, particularly those involving Mexico.

"We are in the same boat together, and we stand together," said state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas. "America is a country of immigrants. We need to continue to embrace immigrants."

Said march organizer and former state Rep. Domingo Garcia: "This is an American march. The immigrants want to become Americans. This is about America, and the American dream and American values."

To that end, Mr. Garcia said leaders are asking participants to carry only American flags, not Mexican flags, although those people who choose to fly Mexican flags may do so at their discretion.

Dallas City Council member Leo Chaney drew parallels between the historical struggles of black and Hispanic Americans, asking rhetorically, "How can you send 12 million people back to Mexico?"

Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill described Dallas as "a city of diversity" that must embrace people of all ethnicities and nationalities.

Mr. Garcia said he expects more than 20,000 people to participate, although city officials said they're preparing for 100,000 to 200,000 people marching from Ross Avenue downtown to City Hall's main plaza.