Singing, chanting and drumming filled the streets of Pittsburgh on Saturday as people celebrated the victory of Joe Biden over President Donald Trump.
People took to the streets in Squirrel Hill, Regent Square and the South Side as motorists honked their horns and music blared.
“It’s a sign that people are invested in our democracy,” said Jenn Stover of Greenfield, who carried an American flag as she celebrated in Squirrel Hill and people danced in the intersection of Murray and Forbes Avenue.
They’re playing Philadelphia Freedom in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/dUWVSGSdPL
— Ben Schmitt (@bencschmitt) November 7, 2020
Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/l7AhSbqXLK
— Ben Schmitt (@bencschmitt) November 7, 2020
Similar celebrations broke out in cities across the United States. Hundreds of people also gathered outside the White House, some of them carrying Biden campaign signs.
“We’ve all been needing something to celebrate for a while, so it’s exciting to have the community come out and get to celebrate together,” said Samantha Zucker, 30, of Squirrel Hill.
Biden-Harris party continues at corner of South Braddock and W Hutchinson in Regent Square #Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/w0UKhCRwQc
— Jason Cato (@Jac412Cato) November 7, 2020
Pennsylvania was called for Biden by The Associated Press at around 11:30 a.m. even as workers continued to count ballots at a warehouse in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Pittsburgh is dancing in the streets . Literally pic.twitter.com/fPZt3HbK1H
— Ben Schmitt (@bencschmitt) November 7, 2020
Happening now: parade heading down Carson St @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/8qLKvJf82R
— Shane Dunlap (@shanedunlap) November 7, 2020
On the city’s South Side, a pre-planned “count every vote” march turned into a celebration of sorts as news came down that Biden would win the presidency.
Chants of “Our votes matter” and “This is what democracy looks like” flowed down East Carson Street beginning near the South Side Works around 1:30 p.m.
A rally on East Carson Street heading inbound pic.twitter.com/oVW04MGG6g
— Megan Guza (@meganguzaTrib) November 7, 2020
The crowd of several hundred merged with a group of dozens more all clad in SEIU Union shirts near 19th Street. The mood was jovial, celebratory and confident. The crowd was of all colors and ages.
Many danced, all chanted and sang, many came out from inside East Carson restaurants to watch them march — some joined in.
Pittsburgh police blocked major intersections to allow the rally to move through safely. The crowd moved toward the 10th Street Bridge, with the end point being Downtown Pittsburgh.
Biden-Harris supporters turn Count Every Vote rally into a victory celebration in front of the City County Building Saturday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/JCd1Mvcuk1
— Paul Guggenheimer (@PGuggenheimer) November 7, 2020
Once the crowd reached the City-County Building there was more singing and dancing in the streets.
“I am very happy today. We have a Madam Vice President,” said a woman identifying herself only as Teresa. “Pennsylvania did it! Pennsylvania saved the country!”
Robin Young, 62, Stanton Heights, was driving a van emblazoned with the slogan “Black Voters Matter.” She could hardly contain her excitement.
“I feel exuberant! I feel excited! I’m on top of the world.
”We helped make it happen here in Pennsylvania — from one end of the state to the other.”
