On October 15, over 3,500 protesters marched on Pittsburgh's financial centers as the Steel City officially joined #ows, with hundreds taking Mellon Bank's front yard and encamping, determined to stay.
Twenty-four hours later, 150 still remain, and the bank has insisted that – for now – it will allow the occupiers to camp.
While I'm not currently one of those in a tent, I did march yesterday with what was easily the most eclectic, articulate and peaceful gathering of Pittsburghers I have ever witnessed.
Below are some of the beautiful people I met:
A gathering of students from the University of Pittsburgh, in all their panther glory.
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Mayan Ward was determined to hold the sign for his mom, Elizabeth.
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Sheila May-Stein with a partial list of grievances. Love the shirt.
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Angie Lang and Pat Lynch show the Tea Party how it's done in Pittsburgh.
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Father and daughter, Matt and Alex Bourg, drop some knowledge.
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Cynthia Grimmitt being generous with her percentages as Pittsburgh's skyline shines.
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Leroy Renninger and Mary Ellen Snyder, ready to march.
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Darnell Anderson with a not-so-subtle warning.
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William Cashaw with a clear message. What don't you get, exactly, corporate media?
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Christina Gridley and Andrew Wagner beginning the revolution, one website at a time.
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Mark Liberto and Chris Myers drove to Pittsburgh for the march.
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Ricardo Morales, Laurel Petrulionis, Branden Wagner and Brian Flowers, students at Penn State.
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David Green is ready for some real leadership.
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Martin Kovalik-Hass with the sharp tongue.
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Jim, a laid off bus driver, with clear ideas about the need to restore full public transportation service in Pittsburgh.
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James and Dakota, chillin like villains.
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Sue Dawson and Jordan Apodaca with some of my favorite signs.
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Dana Best and her friend, ready to get this thing started already.
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Tom Taylor, a true patriot.
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Occupy Pittsburgh raises its banner for the very first time to huge applause.
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Jan, Evelyn and Jim representing the health care reform contingency.
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The Redwood family – Carter, Maurice and Carl.
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Chelsey Engel, with her own "imagine" message.
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Anonymous, in more ways than one.
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Peeking from behind the sign, an anonymous protester. Perhaps a Pittsburgh Steeler? I kid.
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Candice Zawoiski and Lindsay Joyce for animal rights.
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3,500 march on Pittsburgh's financial centers. Photo by Bryan Heller.
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One hundred and fifty protesters occupy Mellon Bank's green space, and plan to stay. Photo from Occupy Pittsburgh.
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For more information on the movement in Pittsburgh, visit Occupy Pittsburgh, check out their LiveStream, and visit their Facebook page.