Senior Agron Berishaj speaks to classmates from Hamtramck High School at a peace rally in the city’s Pope Park Photo: Merinda Valley

HAMTRAMCK — The entire world in two square miles — that’s how some Hamtramck High School students describe their city. They hope the small community can serve as an example of coexistence for other parts of the country and the world. 

The students marched down the streets of Hamtramck and rallied around a statue of Pope John Paul II in the name of peace Friday, Nov. 20.

“We decided that because of all the stereotypes and prejudices that are going around, it would be best if us, being culturally diverse, send out a message of positivity to denounce any acts of terror that’s going on around the world,” said event co-organizer and senior Agron Berishaj. 

Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent Thomas Niczay wrote in a welcome message that the district’s student population is arguably the most diverse in the state. 

Many residents laud the city’s diversity. Historically a Polish enclave, Hamtramck is now 24 percent Arab; 19 percent African American; 15 percent Bangladeshi; 12 percent Polish and 6 percent Yugoslavian, according to U.S. Census data. About 41 percent of Hamtramck residents are immigrants, the highest percentage in metro Detroit. 

Earlier this month, Hamtramck became the first U.S. city to have a Muslim majority on its six-member city council. 

The election results have drawn flak and media attention from around the country, including a Washington Post article that claims residents are tense about the city’s future. On Monday, CNN host Carol Costello asked Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski whether she was afraid because she governs a majority Muslim city. 

Hamtramck is Berishaj’s hometown, but he said his family immigrated from Montenegro. He and other students at the rally overwhelmingly agreed that Hamtramck is a welcoming city. 

Michael Stenvig, a retired Hamtramck High School geometry teacher, reminded students of the city’s affinity to the current refugee crisis. 

“You know that many people here in Hamtramck have come here because they’ve had to leave somewhere where it was not right,” Stenvig said. 

He dismissed presidential candidates and other politicians who made inflammatory comments against refugees and Muslims last week, calling them “demagogues.”

“Our political people here in this country and elsewhere need to know that we stand by humanitarianism and goodness for all mankind,” he told students through a megaphone. 

Stenvig said all those speaking against refugees can trace their lineage back to an immigrant who sought safety in the country. He noted his own heritage as the son of a migrant who escaped the devastation of WWI by resettling in Michigan.

“If he hadn’t come here, I don’t know if I’d be here,” Stenvig said. 

But Berishaj said the rally was not targeted at particular comments or legislation passed by the House of Representatives. Rather, it was a response to recent global events in general. 

“Now it’s our turn to show everybody that we promote peace,” he said.  

In the crowd, signs calling for an end to violence and prayer for the world stood out. Students bowed their heads in silence to honor the victims of recent attacks and those who suffer every day. 

“We think that this is the only way to solve these problems that happen in the world,” said senior Ibrahim Dhaif. 

Student leaders are planning to organize more events to convey their message of unity, peace and stability. 

“Peace should be just spread around the whole world,” said senior Shafiul Alam. “That’s why we organized a rally for peace and not religion.”