The Occupy Cleveland movement began to show some trappings of a siege Friday. Demonstrators spent the day downtown, marched around the civic center to a tom tom beat, and staged a spirited rally at the Federal Building.

Many planned to stay the night and rally again today.

The messages of the anti-Wall Street protests are still taking shape here, much as they are in Manhattan, where the demonstrations began a little more than three weeks ago. But the Cleveland edition is starting to show some structure.

Volunteers have been divided into committees, like Food and Beverage and Arts and Culture. Spokespeople rotate. And decisions are made at general assemblies that resemble Greek-style democracy.

"Everyone has a voice. Everyone gets to be heard," said Chris Donovan, a Cleveland State University graduate student and substitute teacher, enjoying his first demonstration.

"What's the message? We want to act," he said. "I've been waiting for this chance. It's cathartic."

His sign said "Beware Corporate Media" but he said he meant agenda-driven television networks like Fox New and MSNBC, not the local daily.

"They're so extreme, they drown out the other voices," the voices of middle America, he said.

According to demonstrators, their movement represents the 99 percent of Americans who are not rich and who are upset with big banks, big oil and extremist politicians.

Thirty-four of them slept on a downtown sidewalk near Public Square Thursday night. Some said they intend to camp out indefinitely.

"We will not leave until there is change," said Jonathan Bowen, 24, who has been without work for six months.

A rally is scheduled for noon today near the Free Stamp sculpture at Willard Park.

Downtown workers caught a preview Friday afternoon. Shortly after 3 p.m., about 40 demonstrators -- a group comprised of all ages but mostly young adults -- massed on the sidewalk on East Ninth Street and sent a chorus of chants toward the seat of federal power in Cleveland.

"Banks get bailed out, we get sold out!" people sang out, and "We are the ninety-nine percent!"

Their signs read "Health Care Not Warfare" and "Bail Out Borrowers, Not Lenders."

A movement that attracted a largely white following to its first rally Thursday showed some diversity Friday, as people like Alfred Porter joined the ranks.

Porter, vice president of the community safety group Black on Black Crime, said he expects more blacks to follow.

"I think it's been a surprise to a lot of people," he said. "That's one reason I'm here, to show we can do something. To show we can be empowered."

Reactions from passersby ranged from disinterest and scoffs to curiosity and support.

Hot dog vendor Mike Grumm said demonstrators bought three hot dogs from him and tipped him $5.

"Because they understand the small guy," he said.

Jeff Medley, a retired Brooklyn factory worker, was picking up his wife from her job at the federal building.

"I think they're right," he said. "The rich, they make all the bonuses and people are losing their houses. It's not right. Obama's got the right idea, but he needs to stand up to those guys."

As he spoke, the movement was already on the move. Marchers headed up East Ninth and turned right at Superior Avenue toward Public Square. Dissolving in their wake was a drum beat and the chant, "We--are--the ninety-nine percent."