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Black Lives Matter says recent incidents involving police and Syracuse residents show there is still progress to be made with equality in the justice system. The group protested alleged police brutality today outside the citys federal building. Theyre calling for justice for last years Fathers Day shooting and an alleged rape by a police officer.

Organizer Herve Comeaubelieves the shooting of Terry Maddox connects Syracuse with the cases of police violence nationally.

I do think that was an example of police racism," Comeau said. "I think so often we hear the narrative of he was reaching for his belt. I think, more often than not, when we have videos, we see that this account is not true.

Comeau says a gun was never found on Maddoxs body, but a grand jury found the officer acted responsibly in shooting an armed suspect.

He believes the movements continued notice has improved awareness and passion for the fight against police violence.

I think the greatest progress were making is community cohesion. Our community is coming together. Were supporting each other," Comeau said. "The truth is that we dont have that much agency, so even though were more solidified than ever, it doesnt translate into political power yet, so it cant just be us. We need all of Syracuse."

Despite this cohesion, Comeau says the area has not seen significant change on the issues. He believes this is especially prominent in the statewide issue of prosecuting 16 and 17-year-olds as adults.

I think awareness has been raised; however, that doesnt really translate into action," Comeau said. "We see this now with DA Fitzpatrick fighting for his right to charge 16-year-olds as adults. The awareness is there, but I think more and more white allies are aware of whats going on, and we need to translate that into people power; into actual action.

Organizer RahzieSeals is the daughter of a Syracuse police officer. She says Black Lives Matter is just seeking justice for the people in Syracuse.

If you look on the website for the movement for black lives, they have a platform there, which talks about political justice, social justice, economic justice," Seals said. "Its a whole platform there that pretty much plans out what we should do to make everything better.

The Syracuse organizers are especially concerned with the treatment of kids in schools and the school to prison pipeline.

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Black Lives Matter: "Awareness Has Been Raised; However, That Doesn't Really Translate Into Action" - WAER