Standing for Justice
Weeks of unrest followed the death of George Floyd as many towns and cities gathered to mourn his life and the lives of other Black Americans that were cut short as a result of police brutality. While some communities have experienced looting and riots, others have gathered peacefully in solidarity with one another, despite the health risks of Covid-19.
Upon arriving to a protest in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a diverse town with a history of police misconduct, I was surprised at the lack of police presence. The park filled up quickly as organizers and volunteers made themselves known. A group of young medics were there to volunteer their time, and Make The Road New Jersey, a local organization dedicated to protecting the rights of immigrants, helped guide the march towards police headquarters. Other volunteers from the community distributed donated masks, hand sanitizers, feminine hygiene products, water, and snacks. It was truly a sight witnessing college and high school students volunteer their time and money to provide the necessary resources.
A demonstrator takes a stand against the police in front of their headquarters.
Demonstrators held up pictures of black Americans who were killed by the police system.
Demonstrators held up pictures of black Americans who were killed by the police system.
The turnout was huge and the energy in the air was ecstatic as marchers chanted and raised their fists in the air for solidarity for Black lives. The diversity of the crowd was amazing and showed how many lives this movement has touched. Folx from all ages and backgrounds attended, risking their health to show how much they wanted justice.
One small, yet significant moment during the protest was at the beginning when a protestor passed out from what seemed to be dehydration. The crowd grew concerned and a volunteer medic rushed to assist the protestor. This was a moment that displayed the power of community activism, where one member helped another.
Demonstrators took a stand against the police in front of their headquarters.
The demonstration continued at the Police headquarters where there was still a surprising lack of law enforcement. According to one of the organizers, the police were watching from the rooftop. Demonstrators were given pictures of Black Americans who had died from police brutality to hold while facing the headquarters. The community was united, it was a powerful statement against authority. As I photographed the event, I saw genuine emotions of anger, remorse, and fear. These demonstrators wanted more than justice, they wanted security for the Black community.
As traffic on social media about this movement begins to slow down, it's imperative that the energy for social justice does not. As Kason Little, a 20-year-old Elizabeth native running for city council said during the rally “This is a movement, not a moment” meaning that with every week, there are still petitions that need to be signed, police that need to be held accountable, lawmakers who need to be called, and Black lives who can still be protected.
Event Marshal, Mohammad Sikander leads a chant as protestors make their way back.