2020|George Floyd’s Aftermath, NYC
The events that took place during the 2020 George Floyd protests in New York City, were a turning point in American history. As an eyewitness and photographer, I want to delve into the impact of the photographic moment with a significant understanding of this historic period. Exploring its ability to evoke emotions, raise awareness, and inspire change.
During the George Floyd protests, emphasis was sensationalized, perhaps to create a desired narrative. My goal is to show an unbiased representation of the protests. Images of people of different backgrounds, races, and ages standing together in solidarity and the less flattering moments like the looting that occurred during the protests are a genuine portrayal of what I witnessed during this time.
Photography helps future generations comprehend and learn from significant events. The photographs captured during the 2020 George Floyd protests will be part of our collective memory. They bear witness to a widespread mobilization, for justice, and change.
I am confident these photographs will remain significant, reminding us of America's challenges during this period.
In response to the murder of George Floyd, bold graffiti was painted on a storefront. The message conveyed raw anger and frustration towards systemic injustice, reflecting the urgent need for America to address its inequalities. June 1, 2020, New York, NY.
A young man's voice rises during a protest against police brutality, unleashing his frustration upon the officers before him. In an attempt to restrain and redirect his anger, fellow protesters gathered around, their hands outstretched, in a balance between empathy and order. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
A police officer stands firm, shielding the shattered window of a Nintendo store that was vandalized during a protest against police brutality. June 1, 2020, New York, NY
Unyielding protesters channel their frustration, confronting officers during a rally against police brutality after the killing of George Floyd. New York City. June 1, 2020, New York, NY
A group of resolute officers maintains composure as protesters vent their anger, displaying restraint amidst tense protests after the death of George Floyd. June 1, 2020, New York, NY.
During the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, many storefronts had to be covered to protect them from rioters. Stores that could afford it hired private security to protect their stores from looting and vandalism. Front of the Saks Fifth Avenue Store in New York City, June 4, 2020
Police officers stand their ground, protecting Trump Tower as a large group of protesters approaches. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
Contrasting Realities: A large group of protesters floods Fifth Avenue in outrage over George Floyd's killing, highlighting stark disparities as stores remain boarded up. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
During a demonstration, protesters and police officers face off in front of Trump Tower, embodying the delicate balance between rights and safety. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
Amidst fervent demonstrations, a dedicated police officer stands resolute, protecting a barricade along Fifth Avenue. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
A protester holds a sign in front of Trump Tower demanding justice and an end to police brutality. June 2, 2020, New York, NY.
Following a protest, a shattered window display depicts the frustration of a community. June 1, 2020. New York, NY.
Chaos unfolds after a demonstration as some young men divert their path towards Broadway, vandalizing and looting nearby stores. June 1, 2020, New York, NY.
Amid the looting and destruction that took place after a protest, law enforcement moved in to apprehend the suspects. June 1, 2020, New York, NY.
A store window becomes a canvas for dissent, adorned with defiant spray paint, encapsulating the unyielding outcry for systemic change. June 3, 2020, New York, NY.
The New York City Public Library becomes the stage for a group of demonstrators protesting against police brutality. June 02, 2020, New York, NY
Protesters flood the streets of New York City, echoing a call for an end to systemic racism and inequality. June 7, 2020, New York, NY.
Protesters forge ahead, marching toward Union Square Park, calling for an end to police brutality. June 7, 2020, New York, NY.
Channeling the spirit of Lincoln, this protester takes a stand against systemic racism, reminding us that justice is a timeless pursuit. June 7, 2020, Union Square Park, New York, NY.
Deputy Inspector Elias Nikas stands adamantly as protesters rally against police brutality outside of Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle. June 3, 2020. New York, NY.
A police officer stands guard outside a barricaded Trump International Hotel on Columbus Circle, ensuring safety during the demonstrations sparked by the murder of George Floyd. June 3, 2020, New York, NY.
Voicing struggle, a young black man raises his voice amidst the barricades, standing at the forefront of the clash between protesters and the police outside the Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle. His outcry echoes the frustrations of marginalized communities, demanding justice and equality in the face of systemic challenges. June 3, 2020, New York, NY.
From the roar of chants to the patter of rain, emotions hung in the air. As the droplets fell on the streets, the iconic Empire State Building stood tall, glistening with a melancholic sheen. Nature seemed to mirror the collective sentiment, reminding us that even in the midst of turmoil, tears can wash away the weight of the world. June 3, 2020, New York, NY.
In the wake of George Floyd's murder, people found solace in different ways. Some took to the streets, echoing their voices through protests, and others sought peace in prayer, finding strength and hope through faith. Prayer Station in Times Square, June 4, 2020, New York, NY.
An audience was captivated during a speech as an activist exposed what she deemed deceptive actions by Bill De Blasio in disbanding New York City's anti-crime unit. June 16, 2020, New York, NY.
During a demonstration against police brutality, an activist raised her voice, expressing her frustration with Mayor De Blasio's deceptive actions. According to the activist’s statements, while disbanding New York’s anti-crime unit was a step forward, it was not enough, and it fell short of addressing the deep-rooted systemic issues plaguing their communities, emphasizing that mere gestures won't solve the problems at hand. June 16, 2020, New York, NY.
George Floyd's haunting final words echo as a protester holds a sign that reads, 'Please, I Can't Breathe’, amplifying the call for justice. June 6, 2020, New York, NY.
Echoes of History: A sign held by a protester draws parallels between Nixon's 'War on Drugs' and the era of the 'War on Hippies and Blacks,' showing the enduring struggle against systemic oppression. June 15, 2020, New York, NY.
An artistic expression by Iraqi American artist Tootsie Warhol, advocating for Trump's departure from office during a demonstration against police reform. June 15, 2020, New York, NY.
With a scrawled message of 'ACAB - All Cops Are Bastards' on his skateboard, a young man brings attention to the deep-rooted frustration and critique of law enforcement and the urgent need for change. June 15, 2020, New York, NY.
Amidst a live stream during a demonstration against police brutality, a counter-argument emerges, reminding us that police officers save lives every day, shedding light on the other side. June 15, 2020, New York, NY.
A passionate voice echoes through the streets of New York City as a man addresses a crowd during a Juneteenth demonstration. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
As Martin Luther King's timeless words echo through the crowd, a display of unity and resilience takes center stage as a large group of protesters raises their fists high during a Juneteenth demonstration, showing their resolute support for black lives, demanding justice and equality, and reminding the world that the fight for racial justice continues past June 19, 1865. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
During a Juneteenth demonstration in New York City, protesters point to the strategically placed first aid kits, embodying their unwavering commitment to safeguarding one another's well-being as they raise their voices against injustice. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
Tensions escalated during a Juneteenth demonstration when a fervent protester, fueled by anger, disregarded the pleas for calm from fellow demonstrators as he and others led an effort to bring down the Christopher Columbus Statue in Columbus Circle. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
During a Juneteenth manifestation, a contingent of police officers forms a protective perimeter around the Christopher Columbus statue on Columbus Circle, determined to prevent any attempts to topple it despite heated debates and protests. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
Police officers stand watchful, protecting the Christopher Columbus statue on Columbus Circle during a Juneteenth demonstration. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
Symbolic Provocation: A fake 'Pig Police' officer at a Juneteenth demonstration in Columbus Circle draws taunting parallels to real law enforcement. June 19, 2020, New York, NY.
A group of activists takes part in the Queer Liberation March hosted by The Reclaim Pride Coalition for Trans and Queer Black Lives against police brutality in lower Manhattan. June 28, 2020, New York, NY.
In a brazen act of liberation, trans activist Qween Amor shows the power of embracing one's inner free spirit. Queer Liberation March against police brutality in Lower Manhattan, June 28, 2020, New York, NY.
NYPD clashes with protesters during the Queer Liberation March on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots as a group of protesters vandalize a police van near Washington Square Park. June 28, 2020, New York, NY.
A group of officers steps in to address chaos during the Queer Liberation March in Lower Manhattan. While the march and protest moved peacefully for most of the day, according to police reports, a group of people vandalized an NYPD vehicle stationed near Washington Square Park and officers moved in to apprehend the suspects. June 28, 2020, New York, NY.
Law enforcement takes action, arresting a suspect involved in the vandalism of a police vehicle during the Queer Liberation March in Lower Manhattan. June 28, 2020, New York, NY.
A vibrant mural springs to life on the plywood that covers Restaurant Balthazar on Spring Street, illuminating the resilience and solidarity in the wake of George Floyd's murder. July 13, 2020, New York, NY.
Vandalized during Occupy City Hall, the facade of New York's Surrogate Court stands as a testament to discord. As New York City’s future stumbles, Mayor Bill de Blasio's decision to disband the graffiti eradication program plunged the city back into its turbulent past. The official reason for the termination of the graffiti-removal program was New York’s straitened Coronavirus finances. This justification seemed unconvincing, considering the administration found the resources to pay city workers to paint a massive "Black Lives Matter" mural in front of Trump Tower during the pandemic. July 9, 2020, New York, NY.
Through artistic expression, occupants find ways to keep busy while at Occupy City Hall. June 27, 2020, New York, NY.
Cop-Free Territory: Occupy City Hall declares 'No Cop Zone' as activists assert their demands for change. June 27, 2020, New York, NY.
Two young women find strength in a moment of solidarity at Occupy City Hall. June 27, 2020, New York, NY.
A message of resilience emerges from a storefront covered in plywood, representing the voice of a community determined to be heard amidst adversity. June 4, 2020, New York, NY.