No cameras were allowed inside. One activist, Wessita McKinley of Maryland, spoke for the group.

"I’ve served my country, honorable discharge. I’ve done my time. I’ve done everything right," she said. "College, school, no crime, no record. Pay my taxes. Make sure my daughter went to school."

"Did the American dream. Got her in college," McKinley added. "And I’m sitting here struggling. I’m now ready to take a street sweeper job if they would offer it to me. So I’m asking you the million dollar question. What am I supposed to do right now to keep a roof over my head, food in my stomach, clothes on my back, car insurance paid?"