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Rallies in Chicago, minute by minute

13:16 H | Topics: Activism - Immigration - Midwest

The Chicago Tribune is following the immigrant rights events in Chicago in detail, with a blow-by-blow account that is continuously updated ont their website. Here's a sample, then follow the entire coverage as the day progresses.

11:54 a.m. The march is underway from Union Park at a slow stroll with several high-ranking Chicago police officials nearby. Cheering crowds are lining Randolph Street at Elizabeth Street, many chanting, "Si se puede" (it can be done), and "USA." Also, some marchers can be heard chanting in Spanish, "When we pay our lights, pay our gas, when we buy…We pay taxes."

11:15 a.m.: The Wicker Park feeder march headed south on Ashland Avenue with a sound system blaring the late '70s anthem "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" and the song "Walk This Way."

The crowd, having swollen to more than 1,000, displayed multiple flags from the Palestinian Authority, the Philippines, Poland as well as the multicolored banner of gay pride.

But the U.S. flag dominated. Amber Javed, 23, of Chicago, carried a sign in Urdu that translated: "We are America."

"It's going to be a beautiful day," said Javed, an immigrant from Pakistan.

You can also participate in the Tribune's online forum which asks the question "Do rallies help?"

Via / Chicago Tribune

Photo via Reuters

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