Nearly 1,000 gather at Moral Monday protest in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Marshall Park was full with nearly 1,000 people on Monday night.

Protesters held signs and listened to speakers, protesting their concerns over the Republican agenda in the legislature.

While there may have been many sounds inside Marshall Park's Moral Monday protest, the thousands in attendance came to display solidarity in just one message.

Protestors and organizers said the Republican controlled legislature has implemented a conservative platform, passing the voter ID bill, cutting unemployment and refusing to expand Medicaid, issues the multicity protest hopes to keep in the forefront.

"I think it's great to be with other people that feel and believe the same way that you do. It's a supportive energy," said protester Danna Pentes.

"I will be out here fighting for what's right," said Orma Buie.

Buie was among the some 1,000 people who came out to protest the actions of GOP lawmakers. Buie came out specifically to show support for pay increases for teachers and better healthcare for elders.

"Our funds are being reduced and so many changes are coming up. It's just so needed - health care for the elderly," said Buie.

Local Republican leaders, however, said the message out of Moral Monday is that Republicans in the legislature just don't care about the future of North Carolina.

"Raleigh had to make some tough decisions this year," said former Charlotte city councilman and Republican mayoral candidate Edwin Peacock.

"I commend them for trying to get it right on these tough issues that we are facing with the economy," he said.

Organizers of Charlotte's first Moral Monday hope to continue to bring their message to cities around North Carolina.

Moral Monday demonstrations in other parts of the state have led to hundreds of arrests.

Eyewitness News checked with CMPD who said they didn't make any arrests Monday.

WSOC