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Thousands march through downtown Pittsburgh protesting inequality, hate

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police said they worked with other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety during Friday's march against inequality and hate.

Thousands of people made their way through the streets of downtown Pittsburgh during the “Still We Rise” march. It protested what organizers said is a growing inequality and a toxic atmosphere of hate.

“I came down here to fight for justice -- racial justice, economic justice, justice for people,” Pamela Harbin, a march participant, said.

The march began at 2:30 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and included stops in front of the UPMC Tower, Allegheny County Courthouse, Pittsburgh branch of the Federal Reserve, Smithfield Oil train tracks and the office of Sen. Pat Toomey.

“This is the only way people in power listen to us. If we come together and do this, then they hear us,” Steven Kelly, a march participant, said.

The group was ushered by Pittsburgh police officers.

“They’re a part of us. We’re all together. We’re all one and we care for them,” Deanna Lorminier, a march participant, said.

Many of the protestors were from out of town and are in Pittsburgh for the People's Convention, an event hosted by the Center for Popular Democracy.

Robert Tiznado is from Dallas, where five officers were killed Thursday night in a shooting during a peaceful protest.

“It's a situation that never should have occurred. It was a peaceful protest that came to an unfortunate end,” Tiznado said.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay said that in light of the shooting in Dallas, he had concerns for his officers and those who took part in the “Still We Rise” march. He said, however, that it is critical that police and the community continue to work together.

“There’s a lot going really, really well here. We don’t want a tragedy elsewhere to taint the great work that the community members and we have done together to try and move the needle here in Pittsburgh,” McLay said.

Pittsburgh police released a statement Friday that said there would be a visible presence of uniformed officers as well as a not so visible presence of plainclothes officers. The police statement went on to say that officers would exercise extreme caution to ensure both the safety of officers and the public, and that the city’s public safety department is working with the FBI as well as law enforcement on the federal, state and local levels.

Despite the violence in Dallas, people who marched in Pittsburgh said they were not deterred.

“I really think that Pittsburgh is strong. We don't want any violence. We don't want any upset. We're here trying to protect our livelihoods and fight for what's right,” Jared McCray, a march participant, said.