MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Local activist Camille Mays was among those protesting Monday afternoon.

Mays is a board member of Crime Stoppers and the founder of the Peace Garden Project, which provides permanent memorials for crime victims. 

Mays has been mourning the death of her son, who was murdered in Milwaukee this past November.

However, she says the recent protests have helped lift her spirits.

"Just to feel the energy and the love and the unity with the people, and it really sparked up my fire," Mays said. "It made me want to come out. And I haven't come out in probably about six months now."

Mays says she hopes these protests can spark some real change in the community.