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What began last week with text message among four friends discussing their wish to attend Saturday’s Women’s in Washington DC has resulted in Women’s March Asbury Park, being held at noon Saturday.

The women are: Daniele Fiori, Amanda Kane, Dallas Hlatky and Jennifer Lampert [shown below right], who first envisioned organizing a walk following President Barack Obama’s farewell address.

“Being a mother with young children, I wanted to do something and I wanted to be able to bring my kids,” organizer Amanda Kane. “I feel that it is important for them to be a part of the larger conversation. And all of us have always had a connection to the Asbury Park community and consider it home, so what better place is there to organize a sister march?”

To date they have over 2,200 walkers registered, including Mayor John Moor.

“Of course I am going to be there,” Moor said. “I have a wife and a daughter and believe that women should make the same as men and be promoted by their merits.” 

Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn will be attending the March on Washington event in DC.

Women’s March Asbury Park is among hundreds of sister marches being held in solidarity with the DC march.

Updates:

The march will begin at noon from Emory and Lake avenues and head down Lake to the Asbury Park boardwalk to Bradley Park [5th and Ocean avenues] where the group and speakers will congregate. 

There is no official after party. 

Security Notice: Backpacks, weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon, will not be permitted. Organizers ask that participants leave nothing unattended and if you see something say something. Also, if you bring it in [paper, posters, flags, water bottles] please be sure to bring it out.

The Asbury Park Police Department has issued an 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. large gathering advisory for the area, warning to expect minor delays/traffic in the area.

To register, visit Women’s March Asbury Park event page here.

Due to the unexpected high volume of registrants, a GoFundMe page was created to cover the costs of security, street closings and sound and stage equipment.

To contribute, click here.

The organizers are encouraging participants to bring flags, signs, and poster to help express the message: Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

“We are marching to exercise our Constitutional rights, and ensure that the voices of all women are heard,” organizer Dallas Hlatky said. “The response has been tremendous, powerful, and affirming. Clearly the greater Asbury Park community is fired up and ready to do what’s necessary to ensure the future of our country is bright for all.”

This is a peaceful event created simply to spread the message that women’s rights are human rights, the women have said.

“Like so many people, I had been feeling so many emotions since the election… insulted, frustrated, uneasy, defeated, inspired, fired up,” organizer Daniele Fiori said. “After watching the Obamas’ exit speeches I texted Amanda, Dallas and Jen and asked, ‘What if we get a group together and march in Asbury Park?’ I knew that with the four of us collaborating, we could plan something great and lift each other up.” She continued, “Like in DC, we will have women and men joining us from all walks of life, all races, all genders, all ages. It is a true grassroots effort, inspired by hope. We are really sticking our necks out, which is easier to do when you have one another to rely on. Strong women lifting each other up. With less than a week to plan, it has taken on a life of its own and it will be perfect in its imperfections.”

The event’s speakers will include Rev. Gil Caldwell, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr [D- 6th District], and Keynote speaker Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

“We are honored to stand in solidarity with marchers not just on the boardwalk in Asbury, but across the country and around the world,” Teffenhart said.“This is a watershed moment for civil and human rights, particularly survivors of sexual violence for whom NJCASA advocates every day.”

For more information and updates, visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womensmarchAP/

Instagram: @womensmarchAP

The event hashtag is  #womensmarchAP for any and all photos pertaining to the local. Other hashtags include : #lifteachotherup #strongwomen #unitedSHEstands #womensmarch #january21 #womensrightsarehumanrights #whyimarch.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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