Thousands March for Justice in Dearborn
Thousands of Shia Muslims marched through Dearborn on Sunday, June 28, for the annual Ashura procession that commemorates the death of Imam Hussein in a 7th century battle. The event, organized by the Ashura Project under the Taha Foundation, drew an estimated 3,000 participants according to city officials.
The procession started at Fordson High School and traveled west along Ford Road to Ford Woods Park. Participants waved red, black, and green religious flags and carried signs with messages such as "We do not bow down to tyrants" and "Every day is Ashura, Free Palestine," according to the Detroit Free Press.
"The March for Justice is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Imam Hussain and his unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and standing against oppression," said state Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn, who attended the procession.
Food, Charity, and City Support
Local families and groups sponsored dozens of stalls along the route that offered free food, water, tea, and juice to marchers and passersby. The charity efforts symbolize the tradition of helping Imam Hussein and his companions during their historical struggle.
Dearborn police escorted the procession. The city approved the event route and provided traffic and crowd control. Organizers agreed to reimburse the city for policing, barricades, and cleanup costs, according to Dearborn City Council minutes reported by Hoodline.
National Controversy Over Flags
Videos of the march circulated online and sparked controversy from conservative commentators and politicians who noted the absence of American flags among the participants.
Ned Ryun, CEO of American Majority, wrote on social media that the display signaled a need for "mass remigration." Elon Musk replied to Ryun's post, stating that those whose loyalty is to another country over America are "traitors and must be expelled immediately," according to The Blaze.
Eric Daugherty called the scene "terrifying" and claimed the marchers were "here to conquer, not assimilate," according to The Blaze.
Gad Saad addressed President Trump and other administration officials on social media, asking if the demonstration concerned them and what remedies they would propose, according to The Blaze.
A Growing Annual Event
The Ashura procession has been held in Dearborn since 2013. The event has grown in size in recent years, with larger crowds and more extensive outdoor activities, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Over the two weeks leading up to Ashura, Shia Muslims gathered at mosques and community centers for recitations and mournful ceremonies. The Mainstay Foundation, a Dearborn nonprofit, held what it called the world's first Muharram Convention from June 15 to 27 at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center.
Abbas Alawieh of Dearborn, a state Senate candidate, spoke during Ashura services at the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights. He urged attendees to stand with oppressed individuals worldwide, according to the Detroit Free Press.
"We mourn what happened to Imam Hussein … knowing that the responsibility is today to ensure that we stand with every oppressed individual in this world against every oppressor," Alawieh said.
The Taha Foundation plans to hold an Arbaeen procession about a month later to continue the spiritual reflection and community engagement, according to Hoodline.