The Syracuse City Council voted unanimously to install honorary street signs recognizing the Syracuse 8 after Carmen Harlow, a former county legislator and Syracuse alumnus, described the protesters' actions and the community support they received.

Harlow told the council he was present in the community during the protests and praised the courage of the Syracuse 8. "I wasn't no star at Syracuse. I was our teammate," he said, recounting the 1970 protests and their long-term impact on campus and the community. He said Syracuse University later apologized and that honoring the group off campus was important to the neighborhoods that supported them.

Councilors introduced item 16 to install the honorary signs and supported coordinating the dedication with Syracuse 8 members who plan to attend. A councilor said the city would work with the city clerk and the Department of Public Works "to make sure that the installation of the sign is aligned with the some of the members that want to be here, that it matched that date that they are going to be here." The clerk conducted a roll-call vote; the council answered 'Aye' and the item was announced as adopted unanimously.

Why it matters: The action is a formal municipal recognition of a racially significant campus protest and reflects efforts by the council to acknowledge historical grievances and community contributions in public spaces. Councilors emphasized coordination with stakeholders to ensure the signs are installed when honorees can attend.

Council next steps: The council directed staff to coordinate logistics for sign installation with the city clerk and public works and to align the installation date with the schedules of Syracuse 8 members who plan to attend the dedication. No additional funding details were specified in the transcript.