Manhattan Stands with Immigrants

Immigrants Make America Great

On Friday, 280 people did a 4-mile march in support of immigrants’ rights in Manhattan, Kansas. Indivisible MHK provided deescalation training, and marched, too! It was organized by K-State student Caitlin Solis, who asked me to speak at the halfway point. Here is what I said.

Welcome to the halfway point! I am Philip Nel. I have called Manhattan home for 25 years. I am a professor.

But I speak here as a citizen.

I speak as a member of Indivisible of Manhattan Kansas. Come for the protests, stay to fight for democracy. The next No Kings protest is March 28!

I speak here as the son of immigrants to this country.

I speak as a descendant of refugees.

I speak from a family that is spread across the globe. Europe, Africa, Australia, North America.

We humans, we are a migratory species. We are always on the move.

And we all come from somewhere. And here in Manhattan, we have people from all over the world — people who have chosen to make their homes here. Share what they have learned. Contribute to our community. Live their lives. Love. Work. Dream.

Immigrants make Manhattan great.

Immigrants make America great.

And yet our government wants us to fear immigrants? Why? Our differences are interesting, not scary. To live in a diverse community enriches all our lives.

Our government cannot make us hate our neighbors.

Because we love our neighbors.

Our government wants us to fear the strangers in our midst.

But we welcome the strangers in our midst.

I am proud to stand with you all today, people who love their neighbors, who welcome strangers, who create this vibrant community together.

I look forward to working with you in the weeks, months, years ahead, as we make this city, this state, and this country — a place that chooses love, not hate.

For that is what we must do.

As Bad Bunny reminded us last weekend, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

And, as Dr. King taught us, “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

So, in love, and in fellowship, let us march!

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Photos #2 and #4 by TEK Images. I failed to note the sources of #1 and #3. Apologies!