PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Pictures from Immigrants' Rights Vigil and March
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

Pictures from yesterday's demonstration.

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Yesterday, Pittsburgh Friends of Immigrants held a vigil and march to support rights for immigrants, easier and fairer path to legal immigration, and amnesty for all undocumented workers already in the United States. By the time the rally at Mellon Point Park dispersed, about 150 people (correct me if I'm off, I'm not great at estimating crowd sizes) were in attendence, including many immigrants, undocumented workers, and children of immigrants. After the megaphone was opened up to anyone who wished to speak, the first was an undocumented immigrant who told the crowd through a translator that there are no jobs in Mexico, so she came here so that her children would not starve.

The march along the sidewalks was escorted by two bike cops and observed by at least two volunteers from the ACLU. There was one counter-protestor bearing a sign which read at different times, "get out of my country", "Seal the Border", and other things. Below are some pictures from the vigil, march, and rally.

Before the march
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The crowd finishes some last minute signs and prepares to march

Banner
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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This is the banner that lead the march

Marching down Grant
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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Marching across Grant
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The march pauses
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The march paused in front of the building which houses city council to read the resolution put forth last Tuesday in support of immigrants' rights.

Marching with Mexican flag
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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There were a variety of flags including the flags of the United States, Mexico, black Anarchist flags, and the IWW.

Rally 1
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The rally at Mellon Point Park

Rally 2
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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Several people spoke on the megaphone before it was opened up.

Rally 3
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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Some painted their faces in solidarity with immigrants.

ARA contingent
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The ARA was out for the march bearing a black banner which read "Defend the poor, deport the rich!"

The IWW
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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The IWW also had members in attendence. One member spoke at the rally, speaking out of the rights of all workers and expressing solidarity and support for the immigrant worker which the IWW has always welcomed.

HeliCOPter 1
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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At least two helicopters which appeared to be police helicopter hovered above the crowd.

HeliCOPter 2
by Mike Tuesday, May. 02, 2006 at 4:16 PM

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