© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Organizer: Virginia rally an affront to people in Dearborn

More than 100 people took part in a peaceful gathering in Dearborn designed to counter the violence in Virginia over the weekend. 

Attendees at Sunday’s event included leaders of Muslim and Christian congregations, Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and concerned members of the public. Dearborn resident Mary Kay Kubicek organized the event after becoming troubled by the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville that turned deadly on Saturday. Kubicek says she considered the Virginia rally to be an affront to people in her hometown, which has one of the largest concentrations of Arabs and Muslims in the U.S.

Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Worship in Dearborn Heights addressed the crowd, criticizing President Donald Trump for not more forcefully condemning the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.