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Millions are expected to gather across the nation and the globe in support of the Women’s March on Washington, a rally that aims to “send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world, that women’s rights are human rights.”

Recognizing that a trip to Washington DC or to one of the other marches might be a heavy financial lift for some and organizational nightmare for others —  especially for those with young children — four women who live, work, and play in Asbury Park have organized a local option.

The women are Amanda Kane of Interlaken, Dani Fiori [owner of Sweet Dani Bs], Dallas Hlatky [head of HR for Smith, the group behind Brickwall, Porta, and Pascal and Sabine], Jennifer Lampert of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten.

“Being a mother with young children, I wanted to do something and I wanted to be able to bring my kids,” Kane said. “I feel that it is important for them to be a part of this but the prospect of going to the city or Trenton was going to be a giant pain. 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].”

Women’s March Asbury Park will kick off at noon Saturday, Jan 21, from the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten. At 12:30 the march will begin. It will traverse Cookman Avenue to the Asbury Park Boardwalk where a collective moment of gratitude will be held. From there the march will wind down at Porta Asbury Park, according to the event page.

The march is not being held as a fundraising endeavor and there will be no petitions to sign, Kane said. Rather, it will be an opportunity for women, men and children to band together in support of the larger movement.

“I really want to stand up physically for my commitments and my concerns,” Hlatky said. “This has always been a really progressive community and we were inspired by the President’s farewell message the other day. This is about women standing up to be heard, which I think now more than ever, is a huge priority. We have to let it be known we are out there watching, ready to take action for what we believe in, especially with all of the things going on with the backdrop of our government.”

For more on the Women’s March Asbury Park, visit the event page here.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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