Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past organized a march for justice that ended with a rally on the steps of the Mahoning County Courthouse Saturday. 

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown sent the tone for the protest saying he is proud to see everyone peacefully protesting in this great city of Youngstown.

Brown said, "I stand here saying this is our house. We won't let anyone tear it down. We won't let anyone tear it down. I love Youngstown. I'm not just saying that I really do love this city." The crowd began chanting I love Yo.

Monica Jones, a local school principal added, "This should be broadcast across the country that Youngstown protests in peace. We are here because of Sonya Lenoir's vision, She has smashed the status quo. You are called to lead the next generation and smash the status quo. This generation has unique contributions to make to this world. You were meant to lead us to the next level of change."

Congressman Tim Ryan was also there and had some words of wisdom for the crowd.

He said, "It's time for more justice, more peace for all of God's children. We have had enough death, we've had enough anger, we've had enough fear in the United States. It's time for hope. It's time for love and for us to create opportunity in communities all over our country. It's time to fix a broken economic system, the broken health care system, the broken justice system."

College student Sonya Lenoir, who graduated from the Youngstown Early college in Youngstown, organized this March for Justice.

Lenoir made it clear that people trying to cause problems were not welcome.

Lenoir said, "Our grandparents fought this battle, our great grandparents fought this battle. It's time for us to put an end to it."

Councilman Julius Oliver told the crowd they must start at the ballot box. Oliver emphasized, "Unless we do something now, we will be back here doing the same thing we are now. Every vote counts. You got to understand every vote matters."

Pastor Todd Johnson said, "We can't end racism if we pretend slavery never happened. I would say to you the power is in your hands. If you would tell your city council, the police chief, and politicians. I say to police officers, you have the power, you negotiate contracts that protect killers." Johnson went on to address elected leaders who approve those contracts and added, "I give a challenge to the politicians we don't want your speeches. We want your action. You can't serve two masters, you do what's politically expedient or do you do what is in the best interest of people. We don't care about your next reelection. We don't care about your fundraising, we want you to act in your own back yard in the interest of black lives. If they don't serve us vote them out. IF they don't make the change vote them out. Don't invite them to your banquets or churches if they won't do your work. We aren't asking anymore. We are demanding justice. We are demanding Justice and no body is safe, republican, democrat, independent. If you do what is right we will support you. If you don't, you're gone. If you are not registered to vote registered to vote.