Black Lives Matter

Reckless Magazine is dedicated to the freedom of creativity, the freedom of expression, and most of all, the freedom to LIVE. Reckless fully supports the protestors who are fighting against police brutality and fighting for equality the Black community in the United States. These are images from protests all over the world by photographers who documented these demonstrations.

Dom Flicksz

Brooklyn, New York

“I was inspired to photograph the protest because all of my teen years I was harassed by police in the neighborhood I grew up in, which was Flatbush, Brooklyn. At the age of 12 it started in front of the park on Nostrand Avenue and Forest Avenue. I was headed to the park with my 2 little sisters at the time they were 4 and 12, my brother was about 10 and my cousin she was 13 and my best friend was 14. Me and my best friend was slammed to a vehicle by two white police and searched. We did nothing. My 4 year old sister was screaming in fear as my cousin try to console her as I was walked around the neighborhood in hand cuffs as I was questioned about my where I lived . My brother and neighbors ran to get my mother. My mother and step father were outraged. That night, my step father sat me down and had a long conversation me about how to deal with police. My youngest sister was scared for life, witnessing that made her grow up to dislike police. That same year I was playing tag with my brother and was once again slammed against the wall and said that I robbed someone on the train; I had just came home from school and finished my homework and my parents allowed me and my brother out to play once again my brother had to run to get my mother . That was the year it all started after that it became a new normal. I was stopped and frisked at least 3 to 4 times a week by police for the remainder of my teenage years . It didn't stop until the ban of ‘Stop and Frisk ‘.

It’s important to document because I am not the only black male that has gone through this. All of us in my neighborhood went through this and we were children and it made use hate, it made us afraid to go outside, it made use feel like criminals, it made us feel like we were targeted. Most of all, its important because we didn't have a voice, our parents didn't have a voice. The people we were thought were heroes were the ones hurting us physically, emotionally, and most of all, mentally. It even made some of the older people in our community look at us like we were doing something wrong.

The things I saw at the protest were undercover cops acting as protesters, acting in an aggressive manner, yelling at officers in uniform trying to start a riot. I saw an elderly black women from my community standing on the side walk as protesters marched, and these elderly women were in tears , tears of pride, they were proud of the younger generations for stand up, for coming together. I saw people from every race , every walk of life come together with love for one another. There was a few bad apples but I saw others pull them to the side and correct them . People were expressing their built up emotions to police and finally weren’t afraid anymore. anytime the crowd got a bit rowdy it was because police got aggressive as if they wanted the people to attack them.

As I photographed I felt a bit of every emotion: I felt angry because in 2020 we shouldn't still be fighting for human rights. I was happy and excited because I saw my people and other races form together for a long term issue in America. I felt this is the start of a better world and wondered if this would be the final fight and we were all going to be able to live and respect each other as humans.

After seeing the photos I cried, I cried because It all sunk in what actually just happened. I never thought that I would witness it.

A a black man, as a black father, as a black photographer, I feel it's my job to document my people’s history so it can no longer be altered to destroy us.”

Matheus Nogueira

Miami, Florida

“I want to show the protests for what they really are, not for what the media shows, or for what the ignorant president says they are. I want to inform the uninformed, and to encourage those who are informed but afraid to go, to attend. Above all I want to promote positive narratives about the protest and protesters.

I saw people taking care of each other. Unity, compassion, love, empathy. Everyone sharing the same pain, the same hatred for this diabolic untouched system that haunts so many. These shared emotions made courage overcome fear, and when we overcome fear, when our voices speak louder than the voice of the oppressor, nothing can stop us.

There’s always an uncertain feeling of what can happen or how quick things can go wrong, but the energy that day made any kind of uncertainty or fear go away. There was nothing they could do to stop us spread the message.”

Ben Clemens

San Diego, California

“I stand by this movement. Being present and shooting photos to help spread the word is the best way I can contribute. The system need to change. My experience yesterday was a peaceful one. Tensions are really high in these situations so getting close can be a little scary but power is in numbers so I feel safe. I hope that Everyone gets out there and stand with each other.”

Daniel Byun

Los Angeles, California

“The protest was about the murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police but more importantly the injustice in the racism in our country. We need to normalize equality.

The protest was very peaceful! The officers allowed us to protest and voice our anger. They actually left the scene after being there for hours. I got there a little later when they got off the freeway.

Looking at these photos capture how we feel. We're tired of seeing our black communities being ripped apart all around the United States through racism. Police brutality towards minorities has been a long period of history. Seeing everyone unite to say "enough is enough". We're fed up and we want real change.”

Lucas Nyhus

Orange County, California

“I was attending the protest regardless and as a filmmaker/photographer, have a compulsion to document everywhere I go, and this was no different. Additionally, I have seen police across the country making moves to silence news crews, and felt a responsibility to document and record if anything heinous were to take place.

I think my biggest takeaway was the remarkable sense of community at the protests. People were distributing water, hand sanitizer, packaged food, and I think there was a sense of safety with that many goodhearted people in attendance. Unfortunately some counter-protestors arrived with the express intent to shut down the protest, with one even saying out loud he was going to ask the cops to make the crowds disperse. If there were more than a handful of people with malicious intentions, I have no doubt the day would have gone much worse.

Of course I had fears and at a few moments was braced for the worst to take place, and I don't think seeing any of the protests across the country go awry quelled any of my anxieties. I think the worst thing this movement has brought to the spotlight is how many citizens want the police to harm protestors, and I have seen many online hoping to see protestors start getting murdered in the street. Even for the most awful, horrific public assemblies for the worst cause I can imagine, I would never wish for a cop to harm someone engaging in peaceful protest.

I have two thoughts to add. First, I'd just like to make a plea for advocacy, and that goes for everyone. I have long fought for the causes I hold dear to my heart, and though it broke my heart to not see others pour in the same amount of dedication, I stayed silent. But now more than ever I would like to encourage everyone to fight for what you believe in, and that while you hold the choice to stay apolitical, to do so would be a waste of your unique ideas and a damper on your conscience. I'd also like to say that past these protests, when they inevitably die down, I want to see change from everyone. Outside of major sweeping change from the government, I hope to see change from my fellow artists. Bands recruit black musicians, directors hire black actors, publications hire black writers, and black photographers. If we see change on every level, including from you and I, we will be a step closer to equality.”

Micheal Colas

New York, New York

“I felt it was time for our struggle as black men and women to be documented by us. As I arrived there, the photographers on site ( white men) had a problem with me shooting saying it’s not a photo shoot and that I was in the way. That made me even want to shoot more. I always wanted to be apart of history and document my people the best I know how and that’s through photography.

I experienced love and unity and pain and anger all at the same time. It was beautiful to see all different types of emotions and colors standing and marching for the same cause.

The emotions I felt while shooting was mixed: I love what I do but I also felt like I was exploiting my people. Then I started to see people actually want me to shoot them, as if they wanted there feelings to be seen. After speaking to some people out there, I felt like I was doing the right thing; I’m using my platform to spread a message, for the world to notice and never forget the pain and fight that we as human beings are going through at this time.

I absolutely love being a photographer; I do this for the people and I truly believe my work will speak for me now and when I’m long and gone. My only purpose is to be apart of history through my photography.

Sarah Roberts

New York, New York

“Every time something happens to another black person by the police I always think, "That could have been my best friend. I don't know what I would do without her." I wanted to show how many people feel the same way I do. Black families fear for their children, spouses fear for their other half, friends fear they will lose the ones who help make their lives feel whole. I also felt it necessary to share firsthand what's really happening - the protests are peaceful and are simply a chance for the community to raise their voices up together for what's right.

I saw the city band together in a way I'd never seen before. People were posted up alongside the street with free water, food, and first aid if needed. The people stuck in traffic were cheering with us, honking their horns in solidarity. There were banners hanging from people's balconies showing support. People were banging pots and pans and blowing whistles. Everyone in the crowd carried an infectious positive energy that really made you believe things could change. This is what I saw until the sun started going down and then the cops got involved. They came out of nowhere in large numbers declaring it an unlawful assembly, formed a wall, and were heavily equipped with zip ties and batons. No one felt safe.

I felt honored to be a part of the experience. My camera allows me to focus on the present in a way I can't do without it. Being in the moment during a time in history that truly feels different than any other time I've experienced before is difficult to put into words. Looking back at the photos, I feel happy to be able to see that experience in its stillness. The images allow me to reflect on how many lives are truly impacted by racism and a system that serves it. “

Fiestaban Photography

Los Angeles, California

“The graphic and unnecessary murder of George Floyd, the failure to charge the police officer who killed him, and the swift reaction to that failure is a small synecdochical history of racial relations in America. It is times like these that force us to reconcile how, as a country founded on the principles of pluralism, freedom and democracy, America has, in practice, been one of the world's largest purveyors of orthodoxy, militancy and slavery. If you or I committed a crime as heinous as Derek Chauvin did, we would immediately be whisked away in handcuffs and would probably serve decades, if not life, behind bars. That disconnect was why I decided to document the protest. I’ve always considered my work to be inclusive and rooted in progressive values, but I felt that I needed to see for myself what was happening in my own backyard and help be a part of the solution.

On June 1st, I was not sure exactly where the protests would be, so I drove around (before curfew) to areas where I assumed protesters would be. I found a group of about 200 people or so by Staples Center. I marched with this group for about an hour, peacefully protesting and taking a few pictures. The police seemed to have no problem letting us march unobstructed from about 12th and Figueroa until about 5th and Broadway. There were two times we abruptly changed course due to police presence (which in retrospect should have been a red flag), but before long the police blocked off all exits and began arresting every person present. I was able to escape into a nearby hotel lobby and avoid being hauled off, but I saw the police offer no solutions, no alternative, no compromise. I understand that all police forces are dealing with crime, mental illness and the effects of poverty every day, however, there was something distinctly fascistic about their corralling of bodies for simply exercising their right to free speech and free assembly.”

Carrie Schreck

Los Angeles, California

“We are living in a historical moment. Anyone that has the ability to document it in any medium has an obligation to. We also live in a time where narratives are picked up and spun instantly and I have this nagging, insatiable need to see things for myself and document them as honestly as I can.

The first few nights I saw a lot of raw anger, frustration, tears, it was palpable. On the second night I went to Melrose and watched another group boil over, there was a lot of destruction and some looting. My friend and I were hit with rubber bullets which feels like punch in your back. I was with protestors several times during the week marching past a line of police and at least one cop would have a rubber bullet gun drawn and aimed. It's terrifying. I think about the impact when the bullet hit my back, I see the gun aimed directly at someone's face and think about how it would easily be lethal at a short distance. I get using it when there's looting but why have it drawn and aimed at peaceful protestors? On Tuesday the march in Hollywood was overwhelmingly peaceful and positive. It was amazing to see the amount of people handing out waters, snacks, giving people rides. On Sunday there was a small protest outside of LAPD headquarters after curfew, there was a group of people yelling questions and accusations at the line of cops, some of the officers were just smirking back at the protestors, it was a bad scene. One of the officers started talking to the protestors, they asked him a lot of difficult questions about race and use of force. The longer he talked the more calm everyone got, he said he understood and supported them and promised to speak up when he saw other cops screwing up, they thanked him. It wasn't the whole solution but it was by far my favorite moment.

I had an epiphany Tuesday night after I got home and started reviewing pics. These protests offer a situation some white people have never encountered: interfacing with the police while standing next to a POC. Perhaps it’s my age or even my gender but for the first time I have watched the visible tone shift that occurs when a cop’s gaze moves from me to the person I’m next to and it’s striking. It hasn’t escaped me that I continue to avoid being arrested - there are just as many black photographers as white but I give a nod to the officers and I’m allowed to stand and leave freely. This really shook me. If you're white are marching this week, look for these things yourself and note your experiences, talk about it with the people around you, it's time to address these things.

A lot of times over the past few days I'll see someone do something for attention like the white guy doing burnouts on his motorcycle, all the cameras instinctively move towards him. It's great that it makes a dramatic photo but it's not what this moment is about. This is history, it needs a factual record. Keep taking pictures, keep writing about what you see.”

Daniella Leos

San Diego, California

“I wanted to photograph this paddle out for a couple of reasons: as a photographer, a human being, and a surfer myself, I almost felt like this was something i had to do. I wanted to give back to the community that has given me so much, in a place; the ocean, that makes me feel whole and gives me a sense of purpose.

Paddling out yesterday was unlike any other experience I’ve had in the water. While it may have been hectic swimming out amongst a couple hundred people, I have never felt more peace and positivity from everyone around me.

Something that was different about the paddle out as oppose to the protest I’ve been to, is that there was no room for hate. While I know people protesting have good intentions and mean well with their purpose of being there, you still hear harsh language being thrown towards & about the police.

There was none of that yesterday in the water. It was more of a reminder that this fight against racism isn’t just with the police, but it’s a fight within us as human beings.

We are all people, no matter the color of your skin, we are one, we are a family. For the rest of my life, when I look back at these photos, I will feel the love & compassion captured in them.

I’m forever thankful for the power a camera can give, providing me with the ability to document beautiful moments like yesterday morning.

I send peace & love to everyone during this time.”

William Ricks

Wilimgton, Delaware

“What inspired me to document the protest was the simple fact that I am a black man and I felt it was my duty to use my creative talent to document something so powerful. As a black creative, I feel that I need to use my talents to help people see the problems black people are facing in this world, so we can spark the change that is needed for the black community to be treated more fairly and prosper. Furthermore, I wanted people outside of Delaware to know that we as a state are fighting for George Floyd. Floyd was a victim of police brutality and that shouldn't sit right with anyone. Documenting the protest allowed people to see the overwhelming support of not only Floyd but all black people who have been victims of police brutality. Documenting the protest was important because it was documenting history. This unfortunate event has brought people together for a common cause and I wanted to document how we can use this heinous act by police to bring us together to fight for justice and equality for African Americans.

At the protest in Wilmington, I saw a diverse group of people supporting a common cause. There were white, black, brown, Hispanic, Asian, all kinds of people there protesting. There were old and young people. People were chanting and marching side by side, which was really special. At the protest, one emotion I felt was pride. Delaware is the second smallest state in the U.S. but you couldn't tell during the protest. The 302 really showed up and showed out for the protest, and that made me feel proud to be a Delawarean. While I was shooting I felt pride, but also sadness. I was proud that I was doing my part and documenting such a historical event, but I was also sad that these protests had to happen in the first place. In 2020 we are still seeing black people being discriminated against, abused, and killed simply because of the color of their skin. Black people have dealt with the burden of racism and social injustice for 400+ years and had to protest numerous times so our voices can be heard. Still, in 2020, we are trying to have our voices heard and that is what made me a little sad. Our voices should've been heard and recognized a long time ago.

Looking through the photos I took and processing them was a surreal experience. I have taken thousands of photos and processed many more, but these made me feel something different. I felt very satisfied that I was able to get such powerful shots that accurately documented the protest. I was felt excited that I was able to use my photography talents to highlight such a momentous event. After I edited and processed them, I was overwhelmed with happiness. Of all the photoshoots and events I've done, this was by far my best work. Seeing the final product was so powerful. I feel like I documented history and I can show my kids one day that their dad not only stood for something, but documented moments that I hope changes the course of not only Delaware history but American history forever.

Taking these photos at the protest was an experience I'll never forget. Being able to get pictures and interact with other people who support the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against a racial and social injustice against the African American community was inspiring. As a young black man, I understand that I must use the talents God gave me to impact the world, and I felt like I did that at the protest. This fight is far from over, but the murder of George Floyd has sparked a fire in so many individuals that this fight for change will continue until we get the change that we deserve. Black people deserve equality and fairness, and we haven't stopped, nor will we stop until we get it. As a side note, all of my pictures for the protest were shot on an iPhone 8 Plus.”

Anonymous

New York, New York

Raz Azraai aka Dance Floor Murder

Los Angeles, California

“I am inspired to document the protest because I have experienced corrupted police in Malaysia where I am from and have been racially profiled couple times by police in Los Angeles. I am also a big fan of positive cultural growth and systematic movements that re-defines culture. I feel as a photographer, its is important to document these crucial current events so we can teach the future generation how we diminish racism day by day and how the movement BLACK LIVES MATTER opens up everyone eyes to love black people as much as people love black culture and how black culture have influenced and inspired so many so many arts in the world today.

What I see during the protest is strength of the people being together and staying tall together for the future of police practicing clean police etiquettes and proper training too protect the people, the future of black person not being killed randomly by a racist cops.

Reflecting back on the photos, I get a whirlwind of mixed emotions. Angry, sad, inspired and strength. I feel grateful that we the people are stronger than ever together!

I would like to say POWER TO THE PEOPLE and BLACK LIVES MATTER! People on the street marching together without fail have the power to topple dirty "authorities". I have faith in my brothers and sisters to win this fight and I will not stop fighting alongside with them while documenting the power of the people to be stamped into the history books!”

Stéfan Weil

London, United Kingdom

“Knowing how easily people can choose a narrative, I decided that I had a voice, as a black man it was important that my perspective was shown. There are not many black photographers on the front lines, and even fewer photographer's willing to get close. As someone who lives and breathes with his 50mm I have a unique perspective that not many photographers in the Uk are brave enough to do.

We fight for the US because the same system that kills people of color in the US is the same thing that pushes and holds down people in the UK, when you hold one of us down, you hold us all down. We all suffer as brothers and sisters in this fight.

I saw a lot of peaceful and powerful people standing together as one against a powerful injustice, by the same token I saw four armed police take down an unarmed black man, I watched cops laugh at my movement and and people tag buildings with BLM. The solidarity witnessed was a loud statement that we are not to be taken lightly.

I was terrified at the anger around me, the air was so close to that of the London riots that i feared it would happen again, and looking back, the energy was clear to see. People are as angry as I am, and it showed.”

Cleanne Viana

Broward County, Florida

I decided to document this protest because I wanted to raise the awareness for it. I wanted to show the world what people were feeling and the emotions that were coming from them. As a photographer I felt obligated to capture this important moment happening in our world and I wanted to show people a different perspective through my pictures.

I saw unity. It was a beautiful thing to see people from all different races coming together and demanding change.

I felt overwhelmed but in a good way. I never been to a protest and too see so many beautiful people fight for what they believe in was amazing to see and capture with my camera. Looking back at the pictures while I was editing put a smile on my face and filled my heart because I was proud that I got to be a part of this important event.”

Laura Voinescu

Copenhagen, Denmark

“15,000 people in Copenhagen have marched in solidarity with the recent events happening in the US but have also pointed out issues regarding racism in the Danish society as well and I think it's an important cause to raise your voice for. I went to the demonstration as an ally to cause firstly, but also as a photographer. I feel that documenting these events is also important and could be a contribution from my behalf, trying to convey the events in the realest, most unskewed way that I can. Racism is not an issue singular to the US, but the movement and the unrest from there in the last weeks surely sparked some introspection in individuals around the world. A diverse gathering of people, many of them carrying their children on their shoulders, marched peacefully from the US embassy towards the danish parliament voicing their same ideals and showing their disapproval towards police brutality and the inequality happening in the US. I saw hope, I saw desire for change and I do hope it will fuel change further as we stand together.”

Marilena Vlachopoulou

Glasgow, Scotland

“I live in Glasgow and I knew I wanted to be part of it whether I’m taking pictures or not. We are living in historical times and the spirit of the people in America powerfully protesting for their rights is such a huge inspiration for the entire world. I believe in equality, justice and peace for all. Seeing so many protesters getting harassed by police officers for absolutely no reason whatsoever has left me feeling hopeless. It’s really disturbing to think that you cannot ever feel safe not even in your own neighborhood. People want justice for the murder of George Floyd. They’re demanding the end of systematic racism. Fighting for basic human rights shouldn’t be something we do in 2020, yet here we are again. The difference this time is that it really does feel like serious change is about to happen, if only it didn’t take another man getting killed for it to kick off.

I keep hearing that all this is “just a U.S. issue, not ours” but we all know that racism is everywhere and it’s our duty to fight it.

Glasgow is not innocent as it’s known for its slavery past as Scots owned slaves, plantations and shares of trade in goods such as tobacco and sugar more so than any other European country dating back to 1707. A lot of our buildings have been build off the back of slavery. Alternative street signs have started to appear in an attempt to stop celebrating the oppressors, instead we are honouring the names of those who died in vain at the hands of fascist police officers.

Around 4,000 people gathered in Glasgow Green on Sunday June 7th. The majority of Glasgow’s black community was present which according to the speakers, marks the first time in modern history that we see such a large gathering here in Glasgow in order to support the cause. The demonstration was peaceful with most people socially distancing and wearing masks. I felt very lucky to be healthy enough to go out to a mass gathering during times of pandemic and even luckier to be part of this movement. Documenting is something I can’t help but do and I know that these images will live forever to tell a story. Although I will never fully understand what it’s like to be black, being an immigrant from a country where police brutality is very much present, it makes it all very relevant when matters of social injustice come into question. No human should ever be experiencing this pain. Seeing people break down in tears mid speech absolutely broke my heart. After developing and looking back at the photographs I felt that I’m contributing to the community in my own way. After all, images speak louder than words. “

Kieran Woodham

Bristol, United Kingdom

“I wanted to document the protest for a number of reasons. One being that as a photographer I wanted to capture a piece of history that I was actually a part of. The biggest protest for black lives and I was right in the middle of it.

I also felt that with social media we have the opportunity to share our experiences to the world, so this was just a way to say we are another city in the world that is part of the movement, uniting everyone together. I feel you can never have too much exposure for such an important thing especially with all the bullshit media we are fed daily.

The death of George Floyd upset and angered the world. Although we are not in the US we have compassion for human life, a need for justice and anger against racism. The UK is not innocent and we stand to fight for justice in the US, at home here in the UK and everywhere else where black people are treated unfairly and discriminated against even now in 2020. We are sick of it and it’s time for change.

I’ve never been part of something like this before. You see on the news the fighting and looting and burning and arrests, but in Bristol it was so peaceful.

Crowds of people passionate for change without the need for violence. I saw white and black people together, supporting and respecting each other. I saw signs with supportive and deep messages and voices creating morale. Cars were beeping and cheering in support of our march. It’s rare you see thousands of people in such harmony. At one point every single person at the protest took a knee in the centre of the city and shared a silence, you could hear a pin drop it was insane.

The whole experience was emotional for me, more so than I thought it would be. It really got me thinking about how lucky I am as a white male in this world and how I take it for granted.

There was a phrase I saw on a few banners and signs that really got me, ‘I understand that I will never understand but I stand’. That shit is so true and I think it’s important for white people to respect that we won’t know what it's like to face prejudice like black people do but that we are willing to stand with them through everything together.

It was emotional hearing people’s stories of their own racial experiences. It was emotional to hear the support from spectators and motorists who weren’t directly part of the protest. I saw young black children with shirts saying ‘it’s my future’ and that makes you more determined to fix the shit state this world is in to give a better future for those kids.

I hardly took any photos as I was just taking the whole thing in, and looking back I do regret that. I would have liked to have documented more but I’m pleased with what I have and that I could experience the protest in person more than through my lens.

I’m gutted I missed the collapse of the Edward Colston statue as well, I would have loved to have witnessed and photographed that historical moment. I feel that has become THE face of the UK protests and is starting a trend around the country to get rid of these statues of slave traders that for some reason are still up? Even the police didn’t want to stop it getting torn down.

Stay safe during protests, especially during this pandemic. Remember PPE and social distance when possible.

Remember what we are fighting for.

Donate and research ways you can help the movement.

RIP to George Floyd and every black life we have lost to racism.

Fuck bad cops and fuck racists.

BLACK LIVES MATTER.

Daleya Marohn

London, United Kingdom

“I joined the peaceful protest in Hyde Park, London, during June 2020 to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality and racial injustice.

It is important to not stay silent and to stand up for what is right.

As a photographer who works with street photography, I carry my camera with me. It was natural to document this historical moment and to raise awareness.

I believe it is an important part of telling the story of what happened and when. Photography has the power to educate and change the world.

Not only in London, but people from all over the world also came together to support the BLM Movement and to stand in solidarity with American protestors due to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25th May.

A diverse group of young people from different backgrounds and cultures turned up to highlight systemic racism in the UK and calling for change. They carried handmade cardboard signs, chanting and marching side by side. Activists and volunteers were handing out masks and water, trying their best to make sure people were social distancing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The actor John Boyega and the family of Belly Mujinga were present and gave powerful speeches.

A lot went through my mind while taking the photos. It was quite an overwhelming and surreal moment. Looking back at the pictures, I feel incredibly emotional and sad that in 2020 we still have to have this conversation.”

Joal Caldera

South Florida, USA

Regardless of how you feel about the protesting and the riots arguing amongst eachother is counterproductive and takes away from the real issue. The issue is violence, unjustified violence, wrongful convictions and a lack of justice for Black men and women. This is something that effects our society across the board whether or not it has been a problem for you personally. This issue has been nurtured by our country since day one, and has long since reached is boiling point. We’re human, emotions are a part of us. People are outraged and they have right to be, anger brings out the bad in people and gives people the push to fight for good. The protesters had every intention of being peaceful, people were there in good faith. The cops antagonized the lot of us laughing behind their line. Which sparked the first wave of problems, once the tear gas was out it was over. There were still plenty of people trying to mediate but when people are angry things get out of hand and that’s exactly what happened. Anger makes people do things they ought not too, by the time the sun went down it brought out the people that are making the situation worse, the people that don’t care and want to take advantage of the situation. It’s to be expected it’s human nature, anger and violence is the root of all of this and at the end of the day a change need be made regardless of the means. Doesn’t matter how you feel, political inclination, race and creed are irrelevant here. This is a human issue, this is a societal issue, our country is burning. The flaws our government have so carefully tried to hide and we as a people have tried so hard to ignore are coming out of the woodwork. We need change. Vote, support your fellow human, put your opinions aside and let’s find a way we can solve this problem together.

Amy Turriff

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Despite the social distancing issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic I felt that this was a protest that was too important to miss. Glasgow protestors were fully clad in masks and gloves and social distancing rules were adhered to where possible.

It was a peaceful protest, with people listening quietly to the speakers and kneeling in solidarity with all of those who have been victims of direct and indirect racism.

Racism is also a pandemic, one that has been around for hundreds of years, and needs to be eradicated with the same dedication and ferocity the world has shown in attempts tackling Coronavirus. The death of George Floyd in recent weeks was simply the catalyst that has yet again bought to light the injustices the black community and other ethnic minorities face daily, across the globe.

The deaths and incarceration of African Americans due to the laws and police brutality in the United States is simply the continuation of the attempt to ‘control’ the black race. It is a continuation of colonialism, slavery, reconstruction and Jim Crow. The United Kingdom, the home of colonialism and slavery, is just as guilty of this prejudice.

As a white person who has studied African American history for several years now, both in education and in my free time, I understand that I will never understand. I will, unfortunately, due to the colour of my own skin, only be able to view such events and injustice from a place of white privilege. I can read, watch, document whatever I can and hope whatever little I can do will educate me to do my best to fight for justice for our fellow human beings. Enough is enough.

Looking back now it makes me proud to see how the world, as a majority, has reacted to recent (and not so recent) events. But it still does not excuse the fact that is has taken us all so long to get to this point, yet again. I hope we will all continue talking, sharing, posting, petitioning and educating ourselves, even after it has disappeared from our Instagram feed and the daily news stories. I hope we are able to keep rising up and fighting for these fundamental human rights that should apply to ALL humans, not only those deemed deserving by bloated, aryan mummy’s boys in power.