yanchong

Two days before the opening of the Democratic National Convention, protesters marched through downtown Charlotte to address a number of issues, including foreclosures, student loans, the crackdown on illegal immigrants, gay rights, jobs, labor issues, and the environment. (Above) 16-year-old Brett Heinz (left) and 17-year-old Scott Learner join the march.

The mood was festive with estimates of around 800 to 1000 protestors.

Many demonstrators came from out of state to participate. 59-year-old Sheryl Long (front, center) traveled from Johnson City, Tennessee to get her point across. “My kids and grand-kids may never have the life I had.” She said, “I’m here for them.”

Ashley Davis with her dog Sam were among the hundreds of spectators lining the downtown route to watch the protest.

Many of the marchers in Charlotte also participated in the Tampa protests.

Protesters in Tampa had walked through deserted streets filled with only police. The police presence in Charlotte was also ubiquitous, but there was no lack of spectators and pedestrians in this lively city.

Misty Novitch (center) traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to be in the march.

Charlotte, the nation’s second-largest financial center, with institutions like Bank of America headquartered there as well as Duke Energy, was a natural target for the protestors.

The Democratic National Convention begins on Tuesday.

PHOTOGRAPHS by LUCIAN PERKINS / facingchange.org

Lucian is currently photographing the Republican and Democratic Conventions for  The Washington Post