I attended the George Floyd Protest against police brutality in Dallas yesterday. It’s a cause I strongly support and I hope brings about a massive change in our criminal justice system. Regardless of where you are on supporting the police, you should be able to see that police brutality and injustice hurts all of us. As well as, there needs to be much more accountability within police departments.
George Floyd’s tragic and extremely unjust death at the hand of four police officers has inspired millions of people to unite behind ending racism and police brutality. Attending the protest allowed me to see the faces of those deeply hurting from the injustice. It also allowed me to hear the voices of those in pain and those who are angry at a system that unfairly targets black Americans.
Public Safety Reform
Some of the ideas discussed and advocated for at the George Floyd protest were very interesting and thought provoking. In light of our ongoing problems, I was especially interested in the idea of completely rethinking public safety. To remove the concentration of power at large citywide police departments and move public safety under elected boards by smaller communities that will provide oversight of that community’s policing. Much like how school districts work in Texas.
The Photos
I made these photos yesterday in downtown Dallas to capture the emotion and unity at the George Floyd protest. Black and white photos capture emotion and contrast in such a raw and timeless way that I love. For that reason, I made the photos black and white so everyone focuses on the people and the energy of the protest.
Our county wants to be an example of freedom and equality to all the world. Certainly, that can’t truly happen until racism is eradicated from our justice system and people like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor stop dying unjustly.
To a cause against racism or police brutality, check out these resources:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
Communities United For Police Reform
Not In Our Town
YWCA Stand Against Racism
Showing Up For Racial Justice