Hundreds Hit Port Jefferson Streets for One Billion Rising Campaign

This Valentine's Day, people all over the globe rose in dance and demonstration to raise awareness of violence against women, incuding around 200 in Port Jefferson.

The Port Jeff Rising Flash Mob was part of the One Billion Rising Day of Action, where 205 countries hosted tens of thousands of events to speak out against the horrors of abuse suffered by females all around the world.

According to Port Jeff Rising organizer Kathy Lahey, many programs are unequipped to service those who really need help as the Violence Against Women Act lies dormant in Washington. To counter this, the event in Port Jefferson raised money for Brighter Tomorrows, a local agency which 'seeks to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence by providing safe shelter, support services, and to reduce violence in our communities.'

“There is no such thing as being unprepared to rise up and speak out against the epidemic oppression and violence against ourselves, our sisters, mothers, daughters, neighbors, and friends,” Lahey said.

Over 40 dancers gathered in front of Starbucks and danced in solidarity, joy, safety and in honor of all the women who want peace and justice in this world.

“The energy that night was almost surreal, like mother nature put a bubble around the event”, Lahey said. “We came to shout out our frustration, speak out our determination, act out in community, and dance out in celebration.”