My First Rally: Hands Off Hastings — Our First Stand for Justice
By Diandra Garcia-Heredia, Advocacy & Program Coordinator for PJIC
Last month, I attended my very first rally — the Hands Off Protest in Hastings-On-Hudson, NY at the VFW Plaza — representing the Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation (PJIC) Office of the Sisters of Charity of New York. I met with two other members of Sisters of Charity of New York (Sr. Claire Regan & Sr. Virginia Searing). This wasn’t just a professional commitment; it was deeply personal. I was there with my husband and our newborn son, making this not only my first rally, but our first public step as a family into the world of justice and advocacy.
A Different Kind of First
When I imagined what my first rally would be like, I never pictured holding a baby in my arms (or in a carriage next to me). Yet there we were, swaying peacefully in the crowd, surrounded by voices raised for justice. Despite his tiny size, our son was part of something powerful — a movement grounded in compassion, unity, and action.
I carried my son (and my sign) close, his presence a constant reminder of why we showed up. He is a result of two first generation children whose immigrant parents’ sacrifice and struggle with language, identity, and hard work paid off to give us and my son a healthy and happy future in the kind of America and world we want our baby to grow up in. One where kindness isn’t weakness, where people stand up for what’s right, and where no one is left behind.
Signs of the Times
There was something especially moving about the sea of handmade signs bobbing above the crowd. Many were written in bold markers, some decorated with hearts or flames of resistance:
- “Hands Off Our Kids, Our Bodies, Our Communities”
- “Immigrants Are Welcome Here” (mine)
- “Protect People, Not Power”
- “Hands Off Medicare”
Some signs made people nod. Others made people tear up. One person noticed my son and smiled, pointing to their sign that read, “Hands Off, Our Future is Now.” That one hit home.
A Moment That Matters
Being part of the rally — with my family, representing the Sisters of Charity’s PJIC Office — felt like more than just an event. It was adeclaration. That even in times of fear and division, we choose to show up. That justice and mercy go hand in hand. And that our faith calls us to act, especially when it’s hard or uncomfortable.
This was only the beginning. As a mother, an advocate, and a member of a faith-driven community, I left that rally with a full heart — and a renewed sense of purpose.
We stood for dignity. We stood for peace. We stood for love.And next time, when my son is old enough to walk, we’ll march side by side.