"We were here 9/11, and the whole world stood up with us after that happened, and it meant so much to us, so we wanted to say that to our friends and family in Paris," says Dale Bryk, "We just wanted to give them a collective hug."
"Very sad news and we pray for them. I have a big mosque, we pray every day, five times a day, for all people, for everybody," says Abdul Azizbutt.
When the vigil ended, a march began. A sea of lights flooded the street, and the group gathered behind a collection of flags carried with pride.
A community stands in solidarity with France. Coming up...the message they say needs to be heard. @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/bGHOMo5TqC
— Mallory Hoff (@MalloryHoffTV) November 16, 2015
"We will not live in fear, and that is the most important message that can resonate out of Brooklyn, in this French community, and the entire community," says Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Marie Kerambrum, who was born in France, marched with her son by her side.
"It's a hard time to learn for children, because life is not fair," she said.
There were quiet moments of reflection, and at times song. When the group arrived at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, they prayed for the French people in the country's darkest hour.
"We need to work together with the Imam, with the Catholic people, with the Jewish people, and show we are not afraid," says Geangecques Bernat.
'We are not afraid' was the sentiment that was heard over and over again in Brooklyn on Sunday night. The group hopes the world is listening.
On Saturday, the famed arch at Washington Square Park was lit up in the color of the French flag to honor the victims.
Only walk through #washingtonsquarepark tonight if you want to be overcome with emotions #standtogether pic.twitter.com/AR5HxHGyR2
— Lilly (@LillyRoseMo) November 15, 2015
The Empire State Building also went dark in solidarity with the Eiffel Tower, but on Sunday resumed illumination.
We join the Eiffel Tower in restoring illumination and resume our place at the center of the New York City skyline. pic.twitter.com/YsBIcJWCnF
— Empire State Bldg (@EmpireStateBldg) November 15, 2015