Evanston business owners, nonprofit leaders and clergy convened Tuesday morning at James Park to record a video in support of immigrants facing the threat of being taken off the street by federal immigration agents.

More than two dozen people attended the gathering, which was spearheaded by Art Makers Outpost founder Valerie Kahan. 

“We’re part of a larger grassroots effort to stand up for our neighbors,” said Kahan. 

Evanston business, nonprofit and faith leaders gather in solidarity at James Park. Credit: Joerg Metzner

The recording, which is expected to be finalized by Thursday, is modeled after other videos circulating on social media across communities in the city and beyond.

“We were inspired by the businesses in Chicago neighborhoods and want to inspire other communities to do the same effort,” said Kahan. 

Art Makers Outpost founder Valerie Kahan introduces the group. Credit: Joerg Metzner

These videos are a response to the increase in detentions and other activity conducted by ICE officers in Evanston and the surrounding area. So far in October, ICE has taken people in Evanston weekly.

“The goal is to have organizational and business leaders throughout our local community come together in unity and stand against what is happening in our country and to our neighbors,” Kahan said. 

While attendees were encouraged to speak, they were welcome to simply show up and be visible. “We want to be a recognizable group of people that can help others become a part of the resistance to this unlawful detaining, kidnapping and violence in our communities,” she said. 

Attendees gather before recording the video. Credit: Joerg Metzner

Kelly Mack of Mack’s Bikes & Goods showed up to offer her support.

“I’m here today to stand in solidarity with the other business owners of Evanston against the terrifying and horrible immigration raids happening in Evanston and our communities around us in Chicago,” she said. 

Jennifer Lieb, founder of Evanston Lands, said she wanted to help raise awareness. “I’m using my privilege and my ability to be in public and not have to hide,” she said. “I’m horrified by what’s happening in the government, and have to do anything I can to help our neighbors who are under threat and feel hidden right now.” 

“As community leaders and as business owners, we have to use our voices,” Booked co-owner Betsy Haberl said. Credit: Joerg Metzner

Betsy Haberl, the co-owner of Booked on Main Street, added that activism is a major part of Evanston’s culture. 

“This is horrible, and there’s not much that we can do except stand up and say ‘stop it,’” said Haberl. “We can’t change the system in one day, but we also don’t have to stand there and watch it happen without speaking up. I think as community leaders and as business owners, we have to use our voices.”

Creative Coworking owner Angela Valavanis speaks. Credit: Joerg Metzner

Creative Coworking owner Angela Valavanis said she was glad Kahan organized the event. “I appreciate any opportunity to rally around the community toward protecting our neighbors,” she said. 

Kahan chose James Park in part because of its proximity recent ICE actions. “We are next to one of the local elementary schools where someone was detained right in front of,” she noted. “It’s near Home Depot, which has been an epicenter to ICE activity and unlawful detainment.”

The park is also a neutral location away from any of the city’s business districts.

“It’s important for us as business and community leaders to stand in solidarity instead of promoting our business,” said Kahan. “This is about being recognizable faces in the community, and using our influence and privilege to help people realize that they can stand up, too.” 

Business owners and community leaders gather for a video. Credit: Joerg Metzner

The video includes talking points prepared in advance. Attendees read from cards saying, “We will not allow the harassment of staff, our customers, our neighbors and our community in our businesses and our neighborhoods,” and “As business owners here today, we represent unified resistance against the cruelty happening in our community.”

Rabbi Rachel Weiss (in pink and gray) with other Evanston interfaith clergy leaders. Credit: Joerg Metzner

It concludes with spontaneous statements from attendees. Rabbi Rachel Weiss, from the nearby Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, led a small group of Evanston interfaith leaders.

“All of our faith traditions and congregations call to protect the most vulnerable people, to welcome immigrants and to support and love our neighbors,” she said. “We are here to open our doors and to encourage all of us to do just that.” 

Wine Goddess owner Diana Hamann speaks from the crowd. Credit: Joerg Metzner

Wine Goddess owner Diana Hamann was the last to speak. “When this is all said and done,” she said, “we have to make stopping people on the street because of the color of their skin and kidnapping them illegal again.”

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