A "Pre-Debate, Stop the Hate" rally was held at Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead Saturday ahead of the presidential debate slated for Monday at Hofstra University.
Dozens who attended the event said they wanted to stand up against what they say has been a hate-fueled campaign season.
"We're here to stand up against hate, bigotry and racism. We've had enough of that. We're not going backwards," says Andrena Wyatt, of Hempstead.
Amit Nasiruddin, 16, was one of the speakers at the event. She says she knows people who have faced discrimination and hatred because of their Muslim faith.
"It makes me feel really sad because it makes no sense to alienate a group of people just because of the acts of a select few," says Nasiruddin.
The event also helped the public register to vote.