“Hands Across New Jersey” to Unite Tens of Thousands in Joyful Defiance, September 17, 2025

New Jersey — On Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (Constitution & Citizenship Day), tens of thousands of New Jersey residents and allies will join hands across more than 80 miles of Revolutionary War landmarks, small towns, diners, and national parks to form a living chain of democracy.

Called Hands Across New Jersey (HANJ), this unprecedented statewide action will send a powerful message: while Washington, D.C. and California show the dangers of creeping authoritarianism, New Jersey will be united in defending our freedoms and protecting the vulnerable.

“This isn’t just symbolism. It’s solidarity,” said Christine Rea-Briskin, Lead Organizer of HANJ and Group Leader of The Resistance Alliance in Hawthorne, NJ. “Every day brings a new assault on our freedoms. What’s happening in DC and California shows how real the threat is— and why New Jersey must remain a democratic stronghold. We will protect the vulnerable, defend the Constitution, and stand together against authoritarianism. On September 17, we’ll show the nation that New Jersey will not back down when democracy is on the line.”

The event will span from Fort Lee to Washington Crossing, echoing General George Washington’s Revolutionary War retreat and eventual triumph at Trenton. Unlike Washington’s retreat, however, HANJ’s march is not about escape — it’s about standing firm.

Why Now?

With rising threats to democracy from political leaders and extremist movements, organizers say Constitution & Citizenship Day is the perfect moment to remind the country that ordinary citizens are the frontline defenders of democracy.

Music Meets Movement:

To amplify the spirit of the event, Rea-Briskin co-wrote the anthem “Unsung Heroes” with her husband, composer and musician Rick Briskin, featuring vocals by Broadway rocker Sean Jenness. The anthem is now live on the Hands Across NJ YouTube channel, providing both a rallying cry and a soundtrack for the movement.

Who Will Join?

Participants will include everyday New Jerseyans: teachers, artists, retirees, students, activists, veterans, parents, and first-time demonstrators. Organizers describe the crowd as “diverse,

intergenerational, and joyful — from punks to grandmas, from weirdos to uncles with strong opinions — standing together with coffee, courage, and Jersey sass.”

Visuals for Media:

• Tens of thousands of participants forming a human chain across 80+ miles
• Signs, banners, and American flags held along Revolutionary War sites
• Families, students, and organizers linking arms in peaceful defiance
• Live performances of “Unsung Heroes” at select gathering points

Event Details:

• What: Hands Across New Jersey – 80+ mile pro-democracy human chain
• When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (Constitution & Citizenship Day), 4:30–6:30 pm
• Where: From Fort Lee, NJ to Washington Crossing, NJ
• Who: Tens of thousands of New Jerseyans & allies, diverse and united
• Why: To demand that leaders uphold the Constitution and reject authoritarianism
• Tone: Joyful, peaceful, non-violent, historic

Hashtags: #HandsAcrossNJ #NJUnited #DemocracyChain #JerseyResists

About Hands Across New Jersey (HANJ):

Hands Across New Jersey is a grassroots, non-partisan, pro-democracy movement uniting tens of thousands of residents across more than 80 miles of the state. On Constitution & Citizenship Day, September 17, 2025, participants will form a historic human chain from Fort Lee to Washington Crossing, echoing Revolutionary War routes to send a clear message: New Jersey will stand together to defend democracy, protect civil liberties, and reject authoritarianism. Learn more at www.handsacrossnj.org.