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151 people were arrested at the NC General Assembly during this week’s Mega Moral Monday protest, bringing the total arrested in the past five weeks to 306. An estimated 1,600 people attended in support.

View the rest of our photos on the Carolina Mercury facebook page.

More information:

WRAL – More than 150 arrested at ‘Mega Moral Monday’ protest

“The people are awake now, and we have decided to stand up,” state NAACP chapter president Rev. William Barber told the crowd Monday. “We are a movement. This is not a moment.”

Charlotte Observer – More than 150 arrested at NC legislature during Monday protests

The rallies are drawing comparisons to the recall fight in Wisconsin, though on a much smaller scale. Barber said the history of North Carolina and the civil rights battles of years past lend a historical depth to this movement. “This ain’t Wisconsin,” he told the crowd. “This is the South, where justice was hammered out.”

News & Observer – About 150 arrested at NC legislature in latest Moral Monday protest

The growing momentum is reflective of the increased organizing muscle behind the rallies. The N.C. Democratic Party, political groups, student organizations and labor unions are now openly advocating the protests. Rep. Garland Pierce, a Democrat from Wagram and chairman of the legislative black caucus, spoke to the crowd inside the statehouse and encouraged them to let their voices be heard. Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton and other local elected officials were also among those arrested.

Star News – Wilmington residents join ‘Moral Monday’ protests at legislature

Penn, a semi-retired writer, said she traveled to the state’s capital to express her frustration with the “general lack of respect for citizens of North Carolina” she feels the Republican-led General Assembly is showing. She estimated that 50 to 75 people in the crowd were from the Cape Fear region.

IndyWeek – 151 arrested at ‘Moral Monday’ protest

Senator Thom Goolsby (R- New Hanover) was one of just a handful of legislators that watched demonstrators as they blocked the Senate chambers. He echoed sentiments previously expressed by other conservative legislators, applauding citizens who are willing to commit civil disobedience, but said he’s not reconsidering the reforms currently underway. “We were elected based on a set of promises and we will continue to carry them out.”

Daily KOS – The ‘Moral Monday’ movement in North Carolina

For those who bash the south, perhaps it is time for you to look at it from a new perspective. For it gave birth to the civil rights movement, and will play a huge part in moving us forward once again.

Related stories:

Moral Monday: May 20, 2013

Moral Monday: 5/13/13

17 arrested at General Assembly