HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Hartford police say they arrested 17 protesters who blocked a major downtown street while calling for changes to the justice system, schools and housing.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the Old State House and blocked traffic during the Monday afternoon rush hour, causing traffic jams. Police say the protest was peaceful and only those who blocked the street were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Rally organizers say it was in support of the Black Lives Matter movement that has grown in response to the killings of unarmed black men by police.

Moral Monday Connecticut planned the protest. Leaders say they were making a public statement about black people being oppressed and killed by government systems.

Organizers posted on Facebook that all the protesters who were arrested have been freed.