The plaza was packed, and the honks of support from the nearby street nearly drowned out the sound of music and cheers from the crowd.

Over 1,000 people turned out Thursday for a rally, planned to speak out against hate and violence in the Comox Valley.

"We ain't taking this anymore," said Jay Phillips, the victim of an assault last Friday that was captured on videotape, posted on YouTube and spread quickly because of the apparent racial motivation it had. Three white men have been arrested for the attack on Phillips.

"I'm doing this for everybody and all those people who can't defend themselves," said Phillips at the rally.

His emotion ranged from tears to high energy — jumping and rallying the crowd with yells and fist-pumps.

"It's just been overwhelming," said his mom Kirsten Phillips about the response to her son's assault. "I'd really like to extend my thanks for the person who recorded it."

At the stage front, community representatives spoke about the importance of inclusiveness, safety, and the need to not return hate with hate.

"That statement is a powerful one," said Wedlidi Speck, executive director of the Wachiay Friendship Centre after the Kumugwe Dancers opened the event with a traditional peace dance.

"Those three young men and the way they act do not represent our people."

Comox United Church pastor Maggie Enright quoted Ghandi when she said the community has to respond to the act of violence with love.

"It is non-violence only when we love those who hate us," she said.

Rally organizer Meaghan Cursons said she wasn't necessarily surprised to see the turnout — saying the Comox Valley is the kind of community that rallies for one another.

She said it was important for them to change the negative perception of Courtenay that's been created with the release of the video.

"The power is in our hands as the community to change that story," she said.

Mayor Greg Phelps said the rally was an important part of the healing process for the community.

"I'm absolutely overjoyed that this event occurred," he said.

Community members were glad, too.

"It is very essential, we need to smooth out the wrinkles ... we will work it out," said Sarah Sutmoller, who attended with her daughter. "She's the future, that will change what needs to be changed."

For Amanda Graham, who is of mixed race, said it's something she wanted to do it for her two-year-old daughter Semiya, whose background is even more diverse.

"Racism affects my whole family ... so I really want to see a change," said Graham.