<p>From Washington, D.C., to Falmouth to Five Corners in Vineyard Haven, Islanders are planning to march on Saturday as part of a national protest.</p>
From Washington, D.C., to Falmouth to Five Corners in Vineyard Haven, Islanders are planning to march on Saturday as part of a national protest.
More than 50 people from the Vineyard plan to attend the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, according to event registrations. The march takes place one day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Some 600 sister marches are taking place around the country, including events on the Island, in Falmouth and in Boston.
“The most important job in a democracy is not the president, it’s the citizen,” said Nicole Friedler Brisson of Edgartown, paraphrasing a theme often repeated by President Obama. “If we do not speak up, if we do not show up in numbers, then theoretically the powers that be think they can ignore us. We can all stay silent and watch our country get torn apart. Or we can all stand together. Thank God we have the right in this country to protest.”
Maria Black of Oak Bluffs is a volunteer march organizer who has coordinated some of the travel accommodations for Island residents who will attend the Washington event.
“There are at least 50 people going down to Washington, D.C.,” Ms. Black said. “There’s a bus leaving from Falmouth. There will be 16 to 18 people on the bus, the rest are getting there by themselves. We’re going to meet up at Garfield Park, about a mile from the rally. Massachusetts is sending the second largest delegation, more than 10,000 people.”
The bus trip, organized on social media, has been full for more than a week, and is scheduled to depart for Washington, D.C. at 11:45 p.m., the night before the rally.
From Garfield Park, the Massachusetts delegation will march to the rally site on the National Mall at the corner of Independence Avenue and 3rd street Southwest, near the United States Capitol. A program will begin at 10 a.m., with the march to follow at 1:15 a.m.
Organizers of the Washington march suggest common sense precautions. Extra security measures will be in place. Small bags will be allowed, but larger bags will not, unless they are made of clear see-through material. In Washington, signs on poles or stakes will not be allowed on the parade route. Organizers say it’s a good idea to write contact information for your group or relatives on your arm, in case you get lost or separated.
A rally and protest is also planned at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven, beginning at 1 p.m.
Others plan to rally in Falmouth, where a sister march is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on the Falmouth Village Green.
“It’s going to be a small version of the Washington women’s march,” said Lolly Hand of Vineyard Haven, who plans to attend the Falmouth event. “I’m thinking if I’ve just run into 12 or 15 people, there are probably 12 or 15 others who are going.”
The Boston march will begin with a rally on Boston Common scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Protesters plan to march down Commonwealth avenue beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Ms. Friedler Brisson plans to attend the Boston event.
“The one thing about this election, people are getting more involved in their government,” she said. “People are paying attention. We all assumed everything was going to be fine, but we can’t assume anything anymore.”

Comments
So they are protesting our
BS OBSo they are protesting our new President that has a history of putting women in very powerful positions within his organisation? I don't get it. They wanted Hillary who pays her female executives 38% less than males??
Here is what the Women's
Nicole Friedler Brisson EdgartownHere is what the Women's March on Washington and its sister events are all about:
https://www.womensmarch.com/mission/
From the website of the Women
Nicole Friedler Brisson EdgartownFrom the website of the Women's March on Washington (womensmarch.com) where everything is explained -
Mission & Vision:
We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.
Yes, you clearly don't "get
Steve McQuiggan ChilmarkYes, you clearly don't "get it".
You're right, you don't get
Marie TisburyYou're right, you don't get it. You haven't read a word about why women are marching. You have your own story and you are sticking to it.
That 38% is something thrown
MarieThat 38% is something thrown around by trump during the election. It has been shared and distorted by conservative "news" sites. It is untrue, go to factcheck or politifact for more info.
Trumps own words about women on the billy bush tapes are reprehensible and would have disqualified any other candidate. Ivanka is supposed to be the voice for women. She has talked about paid leave for women - but not men. Because in trumpworld women are responsible for the babies.
trump is planning to turn back the clock to another era, possibly the 50’s. A time when white men ruled, women stayed home and factory jobs had not yet been automated.
I don't recall any 'protests'
deshandra brown mvI don't recall any 'protests' or 'marches' when Gerry Studds was censored for playing with underage boys or Barney Frank's boyfriend was running a brothel out of his apartment. Typical democrat hypocrites.
Our democracy/republic
Bob Cullen Belleair FLOur democracy/republic depends on the losing half giving the elected President a reasonable chance to succeed within 4 years. Otherwise, it's anarchy.
This gathering of solidarity
Kim Fuson Oak Bluffs, MAThis gathering of solidarity at 5 Corners is not against anyone! All of us, regardless of politics, should be interested in promoting peace, equality, and the protection of our rights as Americans.
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