Group invites protesters to Labor Day ‘pop-up protest’ outsid Lincoln Park on Monday

By RICK MILLER

Olean Star

OLEAN — A “pop-up” protest will be held Monday from 4-6 p.m. on the sidewalk outside Lincoln Park.

Sponsors said the themes of the protest are to take back labor and affordability and elect Democrat Aaron Gies to Congress.

Organizer Jessica Davis said the pop-up protest is not affiliated with any organization, group or protest outlet.

“It will be on the sidewalk since we don’t have access to the park,” Davis said. “New Park ordinances say on sidewalks only. We will not have access to the gazebo, pavilion or bathrooms. We don’t have a permit or day pass. So sidewalk only and we cannot block the sidewalk at any time.” 

She said those participating “will still be using signs, noisemakers and our voices to dissent against an unfair economy and unfair labor practices. We demand better from all of our lawmakers. city, state and federal.”

Davis said, “Protesting gives hope and builds community. It makes us stay engaged. With the election right around the corner, we must stay active and loud. We will not engage with counter-protest persons. Safety will be dependent on all of us. We are responsible for our safety as a collective.”