Hundreds of protesters have been walking throughout Syracuse for the past 7 days, calling themselves “Last Chance for Change.”

What You Need To Know

  • The "Last Chance for Change" protesters walked more than 60 miles this past week

  • They've marched as far as Solvay and Dewitt

  • The Dewitt Police Chief joined their march Friday

  • They don't plan on stopping until their demands are met


On Friday, they started here at Shoppingtown Mall and walked more than 6 miles. They say each day they’re one step closer to their goal.

“So much goes on and we need change as soon as possible,” said Kenzell Cooper, the Last Chance for Change organizer. “All this nonsense, this violence that’s been going on, we need to come back together as a community.”


They’ve walked more than 60 miles this past week, covering all corners of Syracuse and venturing out to Solvay and Dewitt.

“We want ya’ll to hear our voices,” said Octavia Alenn, another Last Chance for Change organizer. “So, if we have to foot the miles, we’ll foot the miles because we have a purpose. The only way they’re going to hear us is if we hit Erie Blvd., these main streets, these businesses and see if they’re rocking with us or not.”

Similar faces return to the crowd each day, but they come from all different backgrounds.

“We know if we’re silent then we’re just as bad as the people they’re fighting against,” said Bess Murad, Jamesville protester. “They need our support. They need everyone’s support in order for our community show solidarity together.”

The protest has gained more allies along each route, including officers the Dewitt Police Chief.


“It was a beautiful thing,” said Cooper. “He was really supportive. He walked with us. He let us know he’s with us.”

“Every day we’re getting better, we’re getting bigger, we getting stronger, we get more powerful every day,” said Alenn. “I feel like every day we’re that much closer to our goal and meeting our demands, getting equality, our rights, fighting for justice and stopping violence.”

Rain or shine, hot or cold, they plan to continue marching forward.  

“Till my legs give out, we plan on coming every day,” said Murad.

They know that the emotional and physical pain will be worth what’s at the end of the road.

“The change start here, Syracuse,” said Cooper.

The group has set up a GoFundMe page.