TULSA, Okla. — From Guthrie Green to City Hall, about a hundred Tulsans peacefully marked for everything from women's and immigrant's rights to racial justice and better education across the state.
The advocates showed up for the 'People United Walkout and March.'
The protests were part of a larger, national movement. Protests took place in all 50 states.
GALLERY: Photos from Tulsa protests:
Local News
People United Protest in downtown Tulsa
Among the crowd was Maria Acosta. The lifelong Jenks resident told 2 News she used her voice to advocate for herself and others.
“Of course, I’m a Hispanic woman, but I’m a Hispanic queer woman, so I’ve kind of got three of the minorities working against me," said Acosta."Women’s rights, queer rights, human rights, every right.”
Acosta was at the protest for immigrants near the Gathering Place earlier this month.
WATCH: 2 News was on Riverside as hundreds gathered to advocate for immigrants' rights.
Being a part of gatherings like this, she said, helps her feel seen.
"It's something kind of magical, just feeling like you're not alone," said Acosta.
WATCH: People United protests in Tulsa:
Protesters in this march asked city leaders to acknowledge their causes and stand with them.
As a black man, Darren Morten shared similar fears for those like him.
“I am gay, so I am scared a little bit. I’m not going to lie," said Morten. "They’re taking away rights from women, they're taking away rights from the transsexuals, who’s next?”
2 News asked Morten why being a part of things like the People United march was important to him.
“Because if we don’t, who will," he said. "Who’s going to fight if we not out here doing it?"
Candis Moore told 2 News she was at the state capital earlier in the month, raising concerns about these issues. She said her purpose at the march was to scream and advocate for her family.
“My son, he is on an IEP. That’s my wife, I’m gay. Our family matters. And my little girl, she’s only 12. Get your hands off her body,” said Moore.
While the crowd was passionate in their chanting, asking for better from lawmakers, this gathering aimed to unify everyone.
“We need to come together as a community," said Morten. “We can’t let the people in power constantly cause divisiveness in the American people.”
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
