By Brenda Flanagan
Correspondent
Protesters and president alike called on God, but the people gathered at Trenton’s Shiloh Baptist Church prayed for divine help to resist Donald Trump.
“God we need clarity to see how to slay the giants that threaten our health care, our education and our right to citizenship. God, we need power,” said Rev. Maureen Gerald.
“Since Nov. 8 a lot of us have felt as if something died. And the funeral is today. But one thing we are glad about. You are still alive,” said Rev. Simeon Spencer, pastor at Union Baptist Church.
“Today I said is a day we shall pray and reflect,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Watson Coleman’s one of more than 60 members of Congress who boycotted the inauguration because of Trump’s comments denigrating civil rights icon John Lewis and because of deep concern over the new president’s agenda. She asked Shiloh Baptist to dedicate this noontime prayer service to resistance.
“We’re just going to be hopeful and vigilant and awake and alert, and be helpful when we can be, and be resistant when we have to be,” she said.
Those in attendance spoke of their fears as Trump takes control.
“We don’t appreciate what they said about us, how they separated and divided America. Anyone that looks like me, or different than what he is, should feel threatened,” said Lisa Watts. She said boycotting is a way to express that.
“This man has done so much damage to communities of color, to women. I don’t feel bad about not being at the inaugural. I feel this is where I need to be,” said Pat Danielson of Lambertville.
While the congregation prayed, women across New Jersey prepared for a different protest tomorrow — a nationwide march in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 states — including right here, at the War Memorial in Trenton.
“Everyone I think is so excited and passionate about marching together tomorrow. I think we’re ready,” said Christine Savody, co-organizer of the Women’s March on New Jersey.
Ready for what?
“Ready to fight back. Ready to protect our rights,” said Savody.
She expects 2,000 will attend Trenton’s rally. Two ladies will serve as co-captains on buses leaving Morristown before dawn tomorrow — heading to join 200,000 in Washington, D.C.
“I will refuse to have someone take my personal choice of what I’m going to do with my life, with my body and think they’re going to be able to take that away from me, and from other people. I can’t stand for that,” said Sarah Brelvi, bus captain for the Women’s March on Washington.
“If we’re intimidated at this point, it’s not going to get better. We need to make a statement and stand up for what we believe in, and if I go to jail, well, I’ll see you in jail,” said Elizabeth Turner, bus captain for the Women’s March on Washington.
They’re going to show their solidarity. And NJTV News will be there to cover the march.