The sixth day of downtown protests included a march down Fayette Street in which several hundred people shut down the intersection at Salina Street for 30-40 minutes. Several dozen cars were in a caravan of support behind the marchers, honking their approval. Syracuse Police positioned vehicles in adjacent intersections to manage traffic, but did not engage the protestors in any way.
Speakers called out the Syracuse Police Department and officer union, the Police Benevolent Association, saying they were not getting any affirmative responses regarding change.
"We don't have to worry about (PBA President) saying 'no' because (State lawmaker) Pamela Hunter is with us, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens is here."
Owens participated in the rally, saying the city is addressing some concerns, such as increasing use of body cameras by police.
"It's the administration's call. I'm the administration," Owens said. "We already have body cameras on some of our police officers, looking to get more."
Owens emotionally assured the crowd that she was deeply engaged in their cause and struggle.
"I've been Deputy Mayor for three-and-a-half years. I've been Black my whole life."
The crowd was comprised of a diversity of races and ages of demonstrators. People, many milennials or younger, indicated they had come from Manlius, Camillus and other suburbs to participate and show support.
Some of the protest spekaers indicated they were ready to protest for 40 days to ensure reforms. And perhaps as an indication of their commitment, they asked supporters to follow on social media with the hashtag #lastchanceforchange
