In response to last week’s “invasion” of Los Angeles by armed federal agents, over 500 attendees gathered at an interfaith vigil in Oakland’s Fruitvale Plaza to support the immigrant communities impacted by these events.
The event, coordinated by East Bay faith leaders alongside Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, coincided with a prayer vigil happening simultaneously in Los Angeles, where a diverse group of spiritual leaders came together to express their discontent with the federal government’s actions.
Vigils such as this one reflect the growing concerns across California regarding the treatment of immigrant families. Many families in Los Angeles have been torn apart by federal actions and are facing serious barriers to legal representation.
Andrés Pomart from Trabajadores Unidos Workers United emphasized this during the event, stating that the lack of access to lawyers for these families is not a mere coincidence, but part of a larger systemic issue. He called upon everyone to unite and demand that ICE respect the rights of all individuals and uphold the principles of due process.
Pomart highlighted the importance of solidarity among Black, Brown, and working-class communities, asserting that their collective strength in organization could overcome attempts to intimidate or divide them.
Mayor Lee also addressed the crowd, reinforcing the significance of immigrant communities in Oakland, asserting that they enrich the city through their diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. She described any attack on immigrants as an attack on the entire community and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protect these neighbors.
Supervisor Bas echoed these sentiments, noting that the ongoing federal actions against immigrants reflect a violation of shared American values. She urged community members to stand firm in their commitment to support neighbors who find themselves under attack, emphasizing that the fight against injustice is everybody’s responsibility.
Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland teachers’ union, further stressed the need for resistance against ICE actions, proclaiming their commitment to protect communities and uphold the dignity of families.
The sentiment of moral obligation among faith leaders was strongly articulated by Rabbi Chai Levy, who criticized the current administration’s overreach of power and called for those grounded in religious faith to come together in solidarity with those facing threats.
The vigil was organized by Bay Resistance and benefited from the support of several organizations including the Alameda Labor Council, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), and various faith-based groups.
The atmosphere at the vigil was not only one of resistance but also of hope and community, as participants made connections across cultural and religious lines, focusing on mutual support in the face of systemic challenges.
In a separate but equally significant event, interfaith leaders gathered at the annual meeting of communication leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland.
Prominent faith leaders, including Rev. Ken Chambers of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, Michael Pappas from the San Francisco Interfaith Council, and Dr. Ejaz Naqzi from the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council discussed critical issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and immigration.
Chambers expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Church in assisting individuals in need, highlighting a case where a Norwegian mother named Yasjmine Oeveraas found shelter and support through interfaith efforts.
Oeveraas shared her powerful story of overcoming homelessness after escaping an abusive relationship and emphasized the importance of community assistance in her journey towards stability. Through programs designed to provide immediate support, she and her son have regained hope and direction in life.
Her account serves as a poignant example of the direct impact of interfaith cooperation and the profound needs present in the community.
Meanwhile, Richard “Razor” Johnson, a formerly incarcerated man who experienced the harsh realities of the prison system under California’s three-strike law, advocates fiercely for the relevance of guidance and mentorship for young people.
After serving nearly three decades, Johnson was released and has since dedicated his life to helping others avoid the mistakes he made. His book, born from his personal journey, serves as a resource for young individuals facing life’s challenges, aiming to instill wisdom and insight to prevent them from ending up in prison or worse.
Johnson’s transformation story echoes the broader themes discussed during the vigil and interfaith meeting. His commitment to empowering the next generation involves organizing community service projects and promoting voter registration among the formerly incarcerated.
As an active speaker, he hopes to impart essential life lessons and emphasizes that through shared experiences, individuals can find hope and direction. Johnson’s advocacy outlines the transformative power of guidance, community support, and resilience.
Through these interconnected narratives—from the interfaith vigil responding to immigration issues to grassroots efforts to support the vulnerable—Oakland’s community exemplifies a strong stance against injustice while promoting dignity and hope for all.
The wave of solidarity observed among diverse communities in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder that united action can foster meaningful change.
image source from：https://www.postnewsgroup.com/week-of-june-11-17-2025/
