The messages, marches, and momentum to improve the Syracuse Police Department continues to build.

But now, Rebirth SYR is joining the movement.

“The plan moving forward is to put as much pressure on these elected officials as possible,” said Hasahn Bloodworth, the Rebirth SYR co-founder. “We don’t get any results or answers unless we’re mobilized, and I think that’s the best tactic.”

Co-founders and Southside natives Bloodworth and Mered Billue say their group will march and hold rallies at city hall and the police department.

They also plan to feed the homeless and address other community issues.

“We’re also committed to building a voting block of power in our community where we can advocate for the people that need to be in office that can get things done for our people, our community,” said Billue.

Rebirth SYR held its first event Wednesday, in efforts to support the People’s Agenda for Policing.

Their eight demands were discussed at meeting with city officials July 2, and the mayor’s deadline to respond is July 16.

The group met in front of city hall during a common council session, and then gathered outside the Syracuse City School District’s office during their board of education meeting.

“We have to keep them held accountable,” said Billue. “We have to keep showing up and make sure they notice we’re not forgetting.”

One of their main concerns is removing school resource officers.

“SROs in schools do more harm than they do good,” said Billue. “We need to allocate those funds to community activists and teaching assistants right there in the community, people of our color and people that relate.”

The co-founders were satisfied to hear the superintendent say they’ll continue to have a dialogue with the activists, and the future of SROs in schools will be on the agenda for July 22.