The crowd of protesters displays signs during Thursday’s “We Are Maine March & Rally” from Lincoln Park to Monument Square in Portland. The protest was prompted by proposed cuts to welfare programs including General Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and was intended to urge lawmakers to reject such cuts. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Paul Revier of Portland gives the peace sign from the monument in Monument Square during Thursday’s “We Are Maine March & Rally” in downtown Portland. The march was organized by the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition. Participating organizations included the ACLU of Maine, Bet Ha’am synagogue’s Social Action Committee, Frannie Peabody Center, the Maine Council of Churches and the African Immigrant Association.  John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Suzzanne Makala, center, leads the protesters along Congress Street from Lincoln Park to Monument Square in Portland. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer