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Thousands take part in Women's March through uptown Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people flooded uptown Charlotte Saturday morning to take part in the Women's March that hit hundreds of cities nationwide and around the world.

PHOTOS: Thousands gather in uptown Charlotte for Women's March 

The march started as a Facebook event that was created on Election Night and spread across the globe. Organizers said they want to send a strong message and make sure they are heard.

Charlotte's march took pepole from First Ward Park, through the heart of uptown onto North Tryon Street and ended at Romare Bearden Park.

People marched for many reasons important to them, including women's rights, LGBT rights, minority rights, health care and public education.

"We have become the spokespeople for what it means to be included and how harmful it is when people are left out, when people are excluded and discriminated against," Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts said to the crowd.

But overall, marchers told Channel 9 they were taking part in the march to ensure that America's diversity is celebrate and respected and they are responding directly to what they call disrespectful rhetoric from the election.

Organizers said this is a pro-movement and parents brought their children to show what the power of many can do.

"To me it's making sure we're respecting everybody and setting an example for the children out there," marcher David Frantzreb said.

"I'm here because I have two daughters and I'd like for them to grow up in a different world from what I've grown up in," marcher Elizabeth Stearns said.

Ramona Brant of Charlotte went to Washington, D.C. for the march.

“We want to be respected and honored in our position in corporate, as mothers and we don't want to be disrespected by any man anywhere at any time,” Brant said.

The march in Charlotte will start at First Ward Park and will be on a one mile route through the heart of uptown, onto North Tryon Street and end at Romare Bearden Park.

It's estimated that 15,000-20,000 people participated in the march through uptown Charlotte. Police said there were no issues and everyone was peaceful.

Click PLAY to watch Elsa Gillis' Facebook Live as people marched through uptown Charlotte

LIVE from Women's March in Charlotte-

Posted by Elsa Gillis WSOC TV on Saturday, January 21, 2017

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