Some 80 local residents danced, marched and chanted their support for the rights of others on Dec. 10 in Nogales during a walk to honor International Human Rights Day.

The event began at Mexicayotl Academy on North Morley Avenue, where the charter school’s Aztec dancers led a line of walkers with signs and beat out a rhythm on their drums. Marchers crossed over to North Grand Avenue by the Quality (Americana) Inn, then headed south and passed by downtown businesses.

“We are sending a message that we stand against human rights abuses in a visible and positive way,” said Maria Dolores Losoya, a member of Angeles de la Frontera. It’s a local human rights committee that formed last summer and sponsored the walk with Border Action Network of Tucson.

After the committee asked its dancers to participate, Mexicayotl Academy Principal Balty Garcia decided to ask students to join the walk, he said. About half the parents signed permission slips for their sons and daughters to participate.

The march was not a protest, but a show of support for a day declared about 60 years ago by the United Nations, Garcia said. “It’s something very positive that should be highlighted.”

Nogales police stopped traffic so the marchers could cross North Grand Avenue, said Julissa Villa, an organizer and coordinator with Border Action Network. When the group reached the border shopping area, business people asked why they were marching, she said.

“They told me they never saw this in Nogales before,” Villa said.

Angeles de la Frontera advocates for people who feel their rights have been violated by law enforcement, social service agencies or anyone else. Call its president, the Rev. Sergio Gaxiola at (520) 761-4546. To reach Border Action Network, call (520) 623-4944.