Clinton Square
Steeped in history and prized for its versatility, Clinton Square is maybe the only place in the ‘Cuse that can hold a KlezFest, a Black Lives Matter rally, a candlelight vigil, sunrise Yoga, and a Blues performance.
Welcome to the new heart of the city.
Activist Sequoia Kemp helped kick-off the march from Clinton Square
Yesterday’s Black Lives Matter rally/demonstration featured a multi-racial contingent that marched through Downtown Syracuse (ironically along some streets with names straight outta the pages of American history, such as Franklin, Washington and Jefferson). Numerous residents and workers viewed the march from parking lots or office buildings above the city.
Montgomery Street
Water Street
Outside City Hall
Black Lives Matter March, Downtown Syracuse
Journalist Sherri Williams (left) captures video of Colton Jones, a student organizer, during today’s Stand with Baltimore rally (at Syracuse University).
Special thanks to journalist/social media expert Sherri Williams for her comprehensive coverage of “The General Body” and “Stand with Baltimore” movements. Her work (in various forms), as it relates to the #Black Lives Matter Movement, is deserving of an award from the Syracuse Press Club.
Steps of Hendricks Chapel
Colton Jones kicks off the peaceful protest on the steps of Hendricks Chapel (Syracuse University).
We found out about last night’s march for social justice via social media (Thanks Syracuse Media Group’s Dave Tobin). The multi-generational, multi-cultural group of peaceful (but vocal) protesters began their journey at Hendricks Chapel, marched through campus (with a brief pause at Bird Library), then despite the wind chill near 20 degrees, hopped on the Connective Corridor before hitting Harrison Street, and eventually occupying a portion of Downtown Syracuse.
In appreciation for the march and the movement, with end with an album that was recorded on this day during the height of the Civil Right Movement (see below).
Dying-In, Bird Library
Activist read the names of victims who died in police custody
The march swelled as it reached the Connective Corridor (University Avenue).
Pastor Dexter, a leader from the local SCLC, became a vocal leader as the march exited the University-area.
Jones rallied the marchers as they head toward Almond Street (under Route I81)
The State Street sit-in (near the courthouse and justice center) brought downtown traffic to a standstill.
State Street (rush hour)
Activists staged a die-in at Bird Library earlier this evening.