BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Inside the Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown delivered an optimistic State of the City address which highlighted the city's achievements of the past year and a number of developing programs and initiatives for the upcoming year.

Outside, however, was much different. Protesters gathered in a demonstration, hoping to send a message to the mayor.

"He needs to know there are people in the city that are not going to stand by and let him be quiet," said activist Cai Blue.

Their concerns stem from the death last week of Wardell "Meech" Davis, the man who died during an arrest by the Buffalo Police Department last week.

Brown stated in his speech he is aware of the situation and has spoken to family members about the incident. Still, many feel systemic injustice abounds.

"Nobody can walk up the street safe. If you look like me, you won't be able to walk up the street safe," said Davis' friend, Brenda Miller-Herndon.

After marching, protestors attempted to block the Franklin/Court Street intersection. Things got heated when cars tried to drive through. 

Police were able to move a majority back to the sidewalks, but seven people stayed seated in the road. They were later arrested; all charged with disorderly conduct. Two face an additional resisting arrest charge and are being held overnight. Protesters say they've started a fundraising site for any legal costs that may accrue.

One of the individuals arrested was former Buffalo police officer Cariole Horne. She was fired from the department 10 years ago for trying to stop fellow officer from allegedly using physical force against a suspect. Horne was one year shy of collecting her pension. A rally was held recently by her supporters calling on the city to honor it.

She believes she was punished for reporting that Officer Greg Kwiatkowski allegedly choked a handcuffed criminal suspect. Kwiatkowski is now retired, but in 2014 he faced a federal indictment for using excessive force during an arrest with four teens.

"People have the right to protest, we respect those rights," said Lt. Jeff Rinaldo, Buffalo Police Department. "However, when they break the law, we are forced to make an arrest for the safety of the entire community."

Common Council President Darius Pridgen said the city needs to do a better job at keeping the people informed. 

"We as a city are going to have to be so transparent," Pridgen said. "I'm not going to hide behind anything in this situation. I know as much as the public knows, to be very honest."

Hours later, many reconvened in front of the Buffalo police station on Main and Tupper, a final plea for the night for justice, but it appears it won't be their last.

"If we come together, if we protest, if we tell them if we don't get what we deserve - they can't have peace," said Tylor Norfolk.