(CHARLOTTE) -- The Occupy Wall Street protest in New York has inspired similar demonstrations around the country, including North Carolina. Demonstrations took place over the weekend in both Charlotte and Raleigh.

In Charlotte, the nation's second largest financial hub, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Bank of American headquarters.  "Like all revolutions, not just major changes, the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, it comes from the people, the grass roots, not from the top," said one participant.

Hundreds also gathered at Moore Square next to downtown Raleigh.  Another protest is scheduled for Saturday outside the State Capitol building.