'The Squad' arrives in Detroit to discuss abortion access, human rights take center stage

Dressed in T-shirts, with slogans ranging from “Rashida has our backs,” to “Abort the Court,“ approximately 400 supporters from across the state lined up hours early to attend a fundraising event for the progressive Democratic congresswomen comprising the self-styled "Squad."

Michigan's U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib joined forces with New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Minnesota's Ilham Omar and Massachusetts's Ayanna Pressley Sunday afternoon at Cass Technical High School in Detroit to rally supporters and raise money just nine days before Michigan's Aug. 2 primary election.

Tlaib of Detroit will face Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, Lathrup Village Mayor Kelly Garrett and former state Rep. Shanelle Jackson of Detroit for the Democratic nomination in the race to keep her seat.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, is also expected to campaign for Tlaib this Friday in Pontiac.

More: Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Andy Levin arrested after protest outside US Supreme Court

Artists and community members kicked off the event with a recitation of Sojourner Truth's speech, "Ain't I A Woman;" a dabke dance performance; and a rendition of Chaka Khan "I'm Every Woman," that brought the palpably excited crowd to its feet, clapping and dancing along. As the congresswomen entered the auditorium's stage, the audience shouted well-wishes for Tlaib's 46th birthday, which coincided with the event.

Sitting on plush green couches, the lawmakers focused on human rights issues while encouraging grassroots community movements. Among key topics discussed were abortion access policy and the U.S. Supreme Court's recent overturning of Roe v. Wade.

More: Whitmer vetoes bills that 'politicize' science by banning research on cells from abortion

Pressley, chair of the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force of the Pro-Choice Caucus, spoke to waves of applause.

"Abortion care is health care," she repeated before slamming the Supreme Court ruling as "unprecedented and unconscionable."

Citing high maternal mortality rates for Black mothers, Pressley said, "you're talking about a prospect of forced birth? In a country where we do not have paid leave, universal childcare and just had a baby formula shortage?"

Tlaib addressed the Michigan's recent petition initiative, which amassed over 800,000 signatures so Michiganders and is aimed at repealing a 1931 state law banning abortion. She appealed to community organization. "It's not just about planning, it's about working your blocks."

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The "Squad" also advocated grassroots movements against the disproportionately detrimental effects of student loans, food scarcity, violence and abortion restrictions on Black, brown and marginalized communities.

Repeatedly, and in conjunction with Ocasio-Cortez's emphasis on providing nutrition for all, Tlaib reiterated the need for clean water and food for all, including her Michigan constituents.

"Water is," she started, "a human right," the crowd finished.

The congresswomen's recurrent emphasis on human rights for all was what drew Joseph Person, 72, of Southfield, Michigan, to the event. Beneath his Army Veteran’s hat, Person wore a black T-shirt that with bold white lettering that read “Black Voters Matter.”

"We still got to fight, and they fight for everybody," Person said. "They fight for Black rights, LGBT rights, women’s rights, veteran’s rights, the homeless’s rights – they’re fighting for everybody’s rights. I don’t see that out of a lot of politicians.”

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'The Squad' fundraising in Detroit ahead of primary elections