Local Occupy protesters marching, rallying

2:50 p.m. UPDATE:

The NAACP supports Occupy Charleston, local branch President Dot Scott said during a speech to a small group of protesters.

She took note of the demonstrators from Occupy Charleston picketing at Bank of America on Meeting Street. Unless people speak loud enough, things will not change, she said.

"The NAACP stands strong with the movement," she said. "We want to make sure that we get some more people here."

Just before 3 p.m., less than 50 people were at Brittlebank Park, site of the event.

"I'm just excited to be here and be a part of the movement," Scott said.

12:25 p.m. UPDATE:

About a dozen protesters branched out to the Bank of America on Meeting Street where they handed out fliers, shouted slogans such as “Give the money back,” and carried signs bemoaning corporate greed.

Bank customers and shoppers typically walked by without incident, either taking a flyer or waving the protesters off, both politely and not-so-politely. A security guard stood nearby while two Charleston police officers casually watched from across the street.

The protesters ranged from young men in torn jeans and leather jackets to a local businesswoman, Brandon Armstrong, who said she’s tired of banks ripping people off by creating what she called a “global monarchy.”

“I do have a job and I am working,” Armstrong said. “But I’m for ‘We the people.’”

Occupy Charleston representatives said each protester spoke not necessarily for the organization but as individuals.

EARLIER:

Members of Occupy Charleston relied on a rowdy tune to jumpstart the 23rd hour of their Brittlebank Park occupation, blaring Jim Hendrix's electric version of "The Star Spangled Banner."

The volume was at full blast, bouncing off the outside walls of the Charleston city police station 200 yards away.

The noise forced many of the 50 or so people, including about five officers, to cover their ears.

The sound check came as some demonstrators are protesting in front of downtown banks, while others are listening to hourly addresses on world issues.

Charleston County Councilman Vic Rawl spoke about how corporate money is diluting the concept of one-man, one-vote.

He said he was trying to give members of the group a more defined direction of how to channel their anger.

Other events so far have been low key as organizers say they're preparing most of the activities for the weekend. There will be lectures every hour on the hour, ending at 8 p.m. with Kenny Riley from the International Longshoremen's Association talking about the labor movement.

Temperatures neared the 50s this morning but it was the heavy wind that brought a chill to the 30 or so protesters who spent the night.

Mary Russell, a 53-year-old grandmother from Russellville, was among the protesters. "It was a rough night," she said. "Mostly what we heard was wind as the shifting went from warm to cold."

She's here because "a lot of us have different issues but it comes down to that we all want corporations out of our government."

About 20 people are milling around the camp this morning. Breakfast today for several people consisted of ham biscuits and apples. Dinner last night was vegan chili.

EARLIER:

Occupy Charleston came to life at Brittlebank Park on Wednesday as a small but enthusiastic crowd set about the task of getting the 99-hour event in gear.

The crowd is expected to strengthen as the weekend nears.

They were a diverse group, ranging from Barbara Condron, 18, a telemarketer from Goose Creek to Rose Grant Davis, 72, of Mount Pleasant, a full-time student finishing up a graduate degree in information systems management.

Davis was there to register new voters. Condron said she couldn't afford to go to Occupy Wall Street in New York, but wanted to do her part to support the cause. She and Kristina Moffitt, 19, a West Ashley resident, pitched a new tent at the park. They planned to stay until the event ends at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Moffitt and Condron said they would avail themselves of the Occupy Charleston food tent, which was free and open to the public. They brought along non-perishable staples, such as potato chips and Vienna sausage.

They said their only real concern was the wind that gusted off the river under cloudy skies.

"We're going to end up blowing away in the night," Moffitt said.

Others there included middle-aged

Mike Roberts, who said he lived on a boat at the City Marina after losing his house, car and job as an electronics technician.

Senior citizen Ron Gentilin, a retired publishing executive, had signs that said "Break-Up Monopolies" and "Re-pay Bailout Money."

Brian Hilton of Ridgeville, an Army chemical specialist, said young people need career opportunities.

A brief spat broke out between demonstrators with differences of opinion on the issue of illegal immigrants, but otherwise it was a peaceful gathering. A few police officers walked the grounds.

The protest against corporate influence on government and wealth inequality started a month ago in New York City and has spread to cities large and small across the world.

Today in Charleston, a 10-hour "teach-in" will feature a variety of speakers lecturing on topics such as the economy and politics.

"Nobody expected anything big to happen this afternoon. This is really about set-up," said William Hamilton, an attorney working with the group.

Looking ahead

Police Chief Greg Mullen visited the park around 3 p.m. and said he saw no immediate issues of concern with how the early set-up was going.

"We're just looking forward to a good weekend," he said. "We'll show that Charleston will do this the right way."

Several of those attending the first day were making their feelings known through the use of homemade protest signs. "Bank$ got Bailed-out We got $old-out," read one. "Ban all lobbying," said another.

State Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, watched the early set-up from a nearby picnic table and said that while he supports some of what the occupiers are saying, he hoped the gathering leads to a more defined purpose and set of goals.

"You've got to set your course," he said. "If they hang around too long without a message, frustration will set in. You're going to have some people, sadly, get out of hand."

Crews were still putting tents and a stage together at the official noon kickoff, which passed without any sort of recognition or welcoming words. Backers said they weren't discouraged, saying the more visible part of the gathering will be this weekend.

Campers who brought tents were told to set up at the north end of Brittlebank, close to Riley Park.

Some of the attendees broke off into mini-debates, including two men who said they began talking about illegal immigration before venturing into the nuances of raising chickens for market.

Attendee Phil King used the analogy that raising an egg from hatchling to chick to chicken, then transporting it to a grocery store to be sold to the consumer for the low price of $6 is the "miracle of capitalism."

"And at every step in the process, everybody involved is making a profit," he said.

Attendee Mike Petrovick countered that no matter what the route, "there's a greed issue. You're going to sell the chicken."

The first nightfall

Wednesday night, attendees huddled with blankets to battle the drop in temperature and increasing wind.

Dinner from a communal pot of chili helped warm those not dressed for the weather. Despite the less than ideal conditions, attendees remained in good spirits.

Passing cars, nearby establishments and a stage occupied by local musicians provided enough light for attendees to navigate the grounds in the dark.

Patrolling officers and the cheery demeanor of protesters worked to quell any sense of danger.

Protesters displayed a sense of solidarity.

"We're here for the people. The people that are involved. That's what I care about. That's who I came to support," said Daniel Hightower, 26, of Moncks Corner.

Andy Paras, Prentiss Findlay, Schuyler Kropf and Christina Elmore contributed to this report.