Decision 2020

Pittsburgh's ‘sister' Women's March draws thousands to downtown streets

PITTSBURGH — As hundreds of thousands took part in Saturday’s Women’s March in Washington D.C., thousands more participated in “sister marches” across the nation and throughout the world, including in Pittsburgh.

Marchers in Pittsburgh gathered at the Pittsburgh City-County Building on Grant Street and then made their way to Market Square, where a rally was held. Pittsburgh Chief Operations Officer Guy Costa estimated that 25,000 people showed up for the event. Organizers had anticipated about 2,000.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto praised the city and participants. There were no arrests and the event was peaceful.

"It's a message to Washington that, despite the rhetoric and the talk, Pittsburgh is going to continue to be a city of compassion," Peduto said.

Attendees used their voices and bold signs, calling for equal pay, health care protection and respect from President Donald Trump.

"We'd like to see a world where women's rights are respected. Everyone understands that women's rights are human rights," participant Tracy Baton said.

Event organizers said the march was not "anti-Trump," but rather an opportunity to practice democracy and shine a light on concerns. Participant Amy Salmon brought her 17-year-old daughter along as a learning experience that she hopes she'll never forget.

"I want her and her friends to be able to make the right decision for who they want into office," Salmon said.

In solidarity with the Women's March on Washington, a moment of silence was held at 1 p.m. in Pittsburgh.

“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country,” the mission statement for the marches reads. “The Women's March will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world, that women's rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.”

Saturday’s march in Pittsburgh followed a protest Friday of Trump’s inauguration.

More than 150 people participated in the “Resist Trump: Occupy the Inauguration Pittsburgh” event in downtown.

INAUGURATION DAY COVERAGE:

“Sometimes, you know, you got to take the streets so people notice what you're doing,” Julia Baker, a member of Socialist Alternative, said.

The group started Friday evening walking on sidewalks, eventually moving into the roadway and blocking traffic in front of the Wood Street T Station.

Police moved in, and the crowd dispersed before blocking traffic a second time in front of the Liberty Bridge.

"It's unfortunate that we have to complicate people's days a little bit by being in the street for a minute, but this is how all of our rights have been won,” protester Julia Baker said.

Not all drivers and pedestrians impacted by the protest agreed with the group’s message.

Kevin Stevey, who voted for Hillary Clinton and doesn't like Trump, said he can't get behind the protests.

"It's not a solution. Protesting isn't going to help. Donald Trump is our president either way -- whether you're running through the streets or not,” Stevey said.

Protesters who spoke with Channel 11 News said Friday’s march was just the beginning, saying remaining silent will never be an option.

"Social movements make change,” protester Aaron Musgrove said.

Pittsburgh police said there were no arrests or citations issued in relation to Friday’s protest.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

Cox Media Group

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