Drone fine art photograph — aerial photography by Xynn Tii

Damn. Just when we thought it could not get any worse. How is it possible to feel both inspired and disgusted at the same time? Uplifted and proud of who I am, yet ashamed of what continues to delineate American society as a settlement of passive racism.

The cycle of inequality and retaliation has become quite predictable. Is this not 1992 all over again? Visuals of looting. Altercations between police and citizens. Excessive force and suffering. Tears of pain pouring under the night sky. How tired we must be.

“Kneel with us and say their names. Or be the spark that lights the flame.” That list continues to multiply. Ongoing chants of “No justice, no peace” as protesters travel for miles. Making a statement to ensure voices and actions deconstruct the system.

To witness Lower East Side and Soho get demolished. Collateral damage.

Riot expressions for attention. “Who shut shit down? We shut shit down!”

Thousands rebel against an unwarranted curfew in the state of New York.

“Hands up, don’t shoot.” Brooklyn pride and support at a peaceful protest.

Organized rallies at Barclays Center with spoken word, music, and prayer.

Emotional overflow as Brooklyn natives share their stories of lives lost.

Protesters travel from Brooklyn to Lower East Side via Manhattan Bridge.

Agitators, as they are referred to, soon turn a peaceful march into rioting.

Surrender

From napping on a Saturday afternoon to experiencing peers get struck with batons by law enforcement creates a strange mental image. Yet, I would rather witness this reality for myself than watch a distorted fairytale by mass media.

G E O R G E F L O Y D D A Y is an ongoing Series that explores the ugly and beautiful of expression, racial challenges, and hope in New York. As protests continue in all five boroughs and much of the world, the Story remains timeless.

To honor all lives lost to police brutality including Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, George Floyd, Tamir Rice and so many others, the answer to end this injustice are peaceful protests and widespread voting in every primary and presidential election.