For 8 days, the “Last Chance for Change” group has spread their message across the Syracuse, and Saturday’s demonstration was their largest and loudest march yet.

“It’s been empowering from the start,” said Katianna Gunn, a protester. “But, when you start to feel the energy of everyone else and all these forces coming together, it’s explosive.”

The demonstrators chanted throughout Syracuse again, but this time, it was more meaningful.

“It was beautiful,” said Zahabu Gentille Rukera, a Last Change for Change organizer. “I almost cried. It feels good to know we have that many people supporting us.”

More than 1,000 people stood by their sides Saturday.

“It’s nice to know that so many people want to make a change and are sick of what’s going on,” said Jadaya Henderson, a protester.

Although these protesters are walking in solidarity with the rest of the nation to honor victims like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, they’re uniting for those in their own backyard.

“Our goal is to speak out for the people of this city,” said Rukera. “We want to make change in this city. We’re speaking out for the George Floyd and Breonna Taylors for this city.”

The group wants the state and the city to help build a better community.
In Albany, they want lawmakers to repeal 50-a, which protects police officers’ records.

Here at home, they want to improve the Syracuse Police Department’s Use-of-Force Policy, give the Citizen Review Board more responsibility, and pass the Right to Know Act which requires officers to be more transparent by stating why an interaction is happening and identifying themselves.

“It’s been too long,” said Gunn. “Enough is enough. People are hurting. Our community is hurting. Change is coming. We are the creators of our reality.”

Ready to change their city peacefully, putting one foot in front of the other, arm in arm.

“The goal is equality and justice for all, no matter your skin color, gender, race, everything,” said Henderson.