blm
06/14/2020
I won't lie, I've been sitting on these pictures for a long time, debating whether or not I should post them.
Being a part of the Black Lives Matter movement is something I do not take lightly; and I lack both the photographic skill and silver tongue to fully articulate my thoughts. Thus, this post has remained in limbo for the longest time as I've retyped this page over and over again, knowing that these pictures will never do justice to the power and crowd I felt as we marched throughout the city.
I won't lie, I've been sitting on these pictures for a long time, debating whether or not I should post them.
Being a part of the Black Lives Matter movement is something I do not take lightly; and I lack both the photographic skill and silver tongue to fully articulate my thoughts. Thus, this post has remained in limbo for the longest time as I've retyped this page over and over again, knowing that these pictures will never do justice to the power and crowd I felt as we marched throughout the city.
What struck me most as we moved were the chants,
Say her name! Breonna Taylor.
Say his name! George Floyd.
No Justice, No Peace! No Racist Police!
Similar cries for justice have been shouted out for decades as we all push to bring justice for the victims of police brutality and the systemic racism ingrained in our culture. For me, the march distinctively reminded me of the Baltimore protests I saw on television after the homicide of Freddie Gray in 2015.
Since the start of our protests, the city has enforced daily curfews and the police have already started using tear gas and pepper spray against the peaceful protesters in the night. However, this has deterred no-one as the protests continue to grow with each passing day.
Say her name! Breonna Taylor.
Say his name! George Floyd.
No Justice, No Peace! No Racist Police!
Similar cries for justice have been shouted out for decades as we all push to bring justice for the victims of police brutality and the systemic racism ingrained in our culture. For me, the march distinctively reminded me of the Baltimore protests I saw on television after the homicide of Freddie Gray in 2015.
Since the start of our protests, the city has enforced daily curfews and the police have already started using tear gas and pepper spray against the peaceful protesters in the night. However, this has deterred no-one as the protests continue to grow with each passing day.
During these marches, I was a protester first and foremost, giving my camera very little attention that day. Thus, the few snaps that I did take were messy in composition and were developed with errors and light leaks. But I do hope that it can give one a sense of what it was like to be a part of the crowd.
There is a book however, that I think perfectly captures what I was not able to achieve that day...
A Beautiful Ghetto by Devin Allen
Devin Allen is a photographer who truly captured the soul and energy of the 2015 Baltimore marches. Raised in West Baltimore himself, he was able to capture the humanity, tension, and empathy that one could only achieve by having such an intimate connection with the community. Having read through his book several times now, his book moves me each time with emotion and inspiration. The Baltimore protests took place after the killing of Freddie Gray and Allen's photographic perspective casts a powerful statement on the events that unfolded afterwards.
Well, that's all I got for you today! I know I haven't been able to fully express my thoughts but I feel like this subject is one that is better discussed in person.
Until next time,
-kdo
There is a book however, that I think perfectly captures what I was not able to achieve that day...
A Beautiful Ghetto by Devin Allen
Devin Allen is a photographer who truly captured the soul and energy of the 2015 Baltimore marches. Raised in West Baltimore himself, he was able to capture the humanity, tension, and empathy that one could only achieve by having such an intimate connection with the community. Having read through his book several times now, his book moves me each time with emotion and inspiration. The Baltimore protests took place after the killing of Freddie Gray and Allen's photographic perspective casts a powerful statement on the events that unfolded afterwards.
Well, that's all I got for you today! I know I haven't been able to fully express my thoughts but I feel like this subject is one that is better discussed in person.
Until next time,
-kdo