Jan. 20, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
A group of Long Island City residents will be making its way to Washington tomorrow to participate in the Women’s March as they aim to put President Donald Trump on notice that he must respect people’s human rights.
Several LIC leaders have chartered a bus to make the trip, which will be carrying 55 residents to represent Long Island City and Queens. The march is expected to draw thousands of protesters from all over the country.
Mary Torres, a local resident and co-organizer, said that she and her fellow organizers, Community Board 2 member Sheila Lewandowski and local business owner Leslie Nilsson, felt that going to the Women’s March was important because it was a peaceful way to show Trump that he represents people from all walks of life.
“We want to make sure to show the full representation of who [Trump] works for now,” she said.
The bus will be packed to capacity, and Torres said that they had to start a waiting list for other community members who wanted to participate.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer will also be heading to Washington on the bus, along with members of his staff. He has been vocal in his concern over
Mary Torres, CB2 member
Trump becoming president, hosting a #QueensValues march from LIC to Trump Tower, and hosting a community speak out following the election.
After Trump was inaugurated earlier today Van Bramer tweeted, “I watched and listened to every word. I felt I must. Too much campaign rhetoric. So little to uplift. Just saying “United” doesn’t unite us.”
“This will be first time marching in D.C. for many of us and we’re really proud to have LIC and Queens represented,” Torres said.
The bus will leave from Vernon Boulevard and 50th Avenue at 5 a.m. tomorrow morning and will return tomorrow night.
