Wearing pink hats and carrying signs such as, "A woman's place is in the resistance," "I resist and I vote," and "Grab 'em by the Midterms," thousands took to the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.
One of a number of women's marches that took place across the country over the weekend, speeches and signs alike focused on the theme of "Power to the Polls" and the political power marchers said they hope will be unleashed this year by women and other voters dissatisfied with President Donald Trump.
Carrying a sign reading, "Ugh, where do I even start?" marcher Diane Samuels of Squirrel Hill expressed a view of the current political moment that seemed to be shared by many others on Sunday.
"I just think it's really important for us to vote and encourage other people to vote," said Ms. Samuels, who was there with her daughter, and who marched last year in Washington, D.C.
Demonstrators gathered at the City-County Building on Grant Street Downtown before marching to Market Square.
Speakers touched on a wide-ranging variety of issues — ranging from aid to disaster victims in Puerto Rico, sexual assault in the military, the need for a living wage, renewable energy and supporting affordable higher education.
Voting was a constant theme, however. A number of those in attendance carrying signs or wore buttons supporting particular political candidates, such as Conor Lamb, a Democrat running for Congress in the 18th Congressional District in a March 13 special election. He'll face GOP state Rep. Rick Saccone, of Elizabeth Township.
Gloria Gralewski of Westmoreland County, who was wearing a button supporting Mr. Lamb, said she came out to get more people registered to vote "so that we can change the way people are treated in this country."
Some candidates were there to campaign in person.
"It's time for this new generation of leadership, and it's apparent when we see so many women out here -- and men and supporters," said Aryanna Berringer, of Westmoreland County, who is one of a number of candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.
Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Alicia George said there were no arrests at the event.
Kate Giammarise: kgiammarise@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3909 or on Twitter @KateGiammarise.
First Published: January 21, 2018, 5:39 p.m.
