As the Black Lives Matter protests continue in the U.S. and around the world, photographers are doing the important work of documenting the struggle for racial justice. We asked U.S. photographers to each share an image they took from the protests. Alongside the photo, we asked photographers to also share a short message on why they’re out there protesting. There is anger and grace, despair and hope.
“My name is Missa. Mexican born, Houston raised, residing in Austin. To keep things simple; I was there to walk with my brothers and sisters in the name of liberty and justice. I was there to speak for the voiceless. I was there to stand for those who couldn’t, or wouldn’t. My voice is still gone, my eyes still burn, my skin is still torn. Yet I knew I had to be there to witness history. True art in living form.” IG: @justmightbe.photography
“I was born in San Diego and currently live in Los Angeles. In both cities, I have experienced and witnessed multiple accounts of police harassment. I am protesting the consistent lack of care that the government agencies show for Black bodies.” IG: @strong_visuals
“Wilfredo Williams, I’m from the Bronx. I’m protesting to make things better In our communities and for police to respect and treat us equally not like we some king of animals. We are all humans and we need to be treated as ones.” IG: @collectiveframes
“I’m Wave, I’m from Philly and I’m out there documenting what’s going on in my city. I do it because people need to see what’s going on. I don’t have the answers but the conversations need to be had and I hope the photos I take can spark that convo. IG: @shotbywave
“Denver is my city. These are my people. They need my support and I stand behind every unheard voice, every black person who’s fighting for justice. We will not be oppressed. I am just a photographer Born and raised in Southeastern Co. I came to Denver for a better opportunity and it’s a beautiful culture. It’s amazing to see so many together in protest. This is what I live for.” IG: @superduperisrael
“This image was taken on Sunday, May 31st in downtown Los Angeles by Pershing Square. The main subject asked for a moment of silence for George Floyd followed by chants from the protesters: “Say his name – GEORGE FLOYD”. I am an immigrant from Sweden who lived, studied and worked in the United States for 15 years. The reason why I am both documenting and walking with the protesters is to help create a platform around a much needed (and grossly over-due) conversation.” IG: @robinkadfalk
“My name is Tenzing Wangchuk and I’m a Tibetan born in India, moved to the US in 2014. I’ve faced racism for a long time back home and here in New York too. I joined the protest to speak up against racism and injustices we face as a minority.” IG: @akecheta_navajo
“I have been protesting and documenting the protest through photography because of the unjust murder of George Floyd. I am also protesting for all of the black lives that have been taken from us due to racism and police brutality, like Trayvon Martin and Freddy Gray. As a black woman, I want to see real systemic change for our world. Enough is enough. Black lives matter and we are no longer accepting or remaining silent when our people are killed by racists.” IG: @emazingphotography
“My name is Julia Justo and I am an Argentine artist and a photographer based in New York City. I’m at the George Floyd protests because I want to see all people treated equally no matter their race, religion, nationality, or gender.” IG: @Julia_Justo_art
“My name is Courtney Madron, I’m from the greater Seattle area, and I am protesting because it is my moral obligation to be out alongside my fellow BIPOC citizens fighting for equality. I’m protesting because we need to change. I’m taking a stand because I am tired of seeing Black human beings suffer and die in this corrupt system built on the grounds of oppression. While I was protesting on May 30th, I was lucky enough to capture Jorrell Ballard (@Jorrellballard) with his sign, which speaks volumes for our cause.” IG: @Naturesfool
“I’m originally from North Carolina but have spent time developing my photography and myself in NYC, Mexico, and now in Atlanta. I’d decided to step out and be a part of the protest not only to document the emotions, the community, and the power behind this movement but also to make the statement for equality.” IG: @Journalinframes
“I chose to be apart of the protest in my city because it’s important to raise awareness of the social injustices going on all over the world. This past protest circled around the recent killing of George Floyd (and other individuals,) was the first protest I’ve ever attended. The birth of my son this year had me thinking differently than before. I began to think about how important it will be to show him, along with my nephew, the history of what really goes on in America; the good, the bad, and the ugly.” IG: @tevindwashington
“My name is Mark Rodriguez I’m a photographer. I’ve lived in Los Angeles, California most of my life. Growing up in LA you’re raised to believe the police are the enemy no matter what avoid them at all cost. But I’ve learned not all cops are bad or enemies, I’ll end with this MLK quote. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” IG: @33mmPhotography
“I grew up in Wisconsin but I went to school in Minneapolis for 4 years. Very tough to watch what’s transpired there over the last few years. Aside from the obvious reasons for wanting to protest, I wanted to document and spread the word of the people doing the real work. Especially when you have so many people looking to discredit the movement as a whole because of the rioting at night. The violence and looting will always be front-page news. I think it’s important that these peaceful protests are just as known.” IG: @adkpht
