MAYOR BARAKA SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE WOMEN’S MARCH 

Statement by Mayor Ras J. Baraka:

“2018 is the year of the resistance and the year of empowered women. This year’s Women’s March is a powerful instrument of resistance coming on the first anniversary of Trump’s inauguration. We stand today in solidarity with the women’s movement because our wives, sisters and daughters should not have to worry about equal pay, assault in the workplace or the loss of their health care.

“In Newark, this past year we have worked to empower women through creating the Shani Baraka Women’s Center, a single building providing women in crisis with comprehensive services including emergency response to domestic violence, medical and social services, shelter and job counseling. We championed equal pay for equal work, made a $15 minimum wage the City’s official policy, created My Sister’s Keeper, supported women entrepreneurs and women’s startup businesses and launched a city-wide voter registration drive targeting unregistered women.

“For women and men across America, this year’s midterm election is the first chance to vote against Trump’s assault on our values, his assault on women, and his assault on social justice.  The momentum and energy generated by this march helps to dismantle oppression and build new institutions guided by self-determination, dignity and respect.”

–NEWARK–