While plenty of big names are slated to gather at Saturday's Women's March on Washington, a handful of celebrities got a head start on advocacy efforts Thursday night. Shailene Woodley, Alec Baldwin, and more came together for the We Stand United rally in New York City, which The Hollywood Reporter deemed an "anti-Trump demonstration." Falling on the evening before Donald Trump's inauguration, stars including Cher, Sally Field, Robert De Niro, Cynthia Nixon, and Mark Ruffalo joined Mayor Bill de Blasio in the protest outside of Trump Tower — which reportedly had 20,000 and 25,000 people in attendance. Overall, it sounds like a powerful display of solidarity. Not only that, but it serves as a reminder to keep fighting for what you believe in.
Woodley, who was a major voice against the Dakota Access Pipeline, referenced her previous efforts in Standing Rock when addressing the NYC crowd. "What they were able to accomplish is what we need to learn from," she said. Emphasizing the need for peaceful protests, Woodley added, "The narrative surrounding 'us against them' does not ever work. Violence does not work. Aggression does not work." And her inspiring lines just kept coming. "They did it in North Dakota when no one was watching … We can do it across the country," she said. The actor isn't wrong — when people come together, they can accomplish great feats. After all, the DAPL construction was ultimately halted, following all of the demonstrations.
The rally's message of hope was further conveyed by others who took the stage. Not only did Baldwin continue his notable Trump impression from SNL, but he also got serious. According to THR, he said,
"These people are a disgrace, but there is hope. Trump and Pence think you're going to lay down. That's one thing about New Yorkers: You don't lay down."
Baldwin encouraged those in attendance to spread the word and keep fighting. Meanwhile, Ruffalo reminded the crowd to stay peaceful, according to amNewYork. Instead of "protesters," he reportedly preferred people use the phrase "people protectors." And THR reported that Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon stood up for the LGBT community and said, "We are not going back ... we are here, we are queer and we have no fear!"
As explained on the We Stand United Facebook event, "New York City and cities across the country will work in solidarity with people fighting to advance the causes of racial, social, environmental and economic justice." CNN aired a livestream of the two-hour event on their Facebook page, which you can check out to see all of the evening's speakers.
Considering Trump isn't even in office yet, this is likely just the start of rallies. Hopefully they all remain as peaceful and empowering as this one.
