In London, we “celebrate” Black history in October, so February 1st came and went without the recognition I grew up with. No collective acknowledgment, no shared remembrance. It made me realize how essential this month is- not just as celebration, but as necessary resistance against censorship and erasure against Black history.
Because back home, the contradictions are embarrassing.
We’re told to honor Black history, while politicians ban books about it. Teachers face prosecution for teaching accurate history. They’ll release Epstein files with names redacted but want full surveillance on our communities. We’re seeing the past being rewritten in real time.
Meanwhile, the same oppressive systems hide under new masks.
Slave patrols evolved into militarized policing. Families separated on plantations became families separated by ICE. Jim Crow voter suppression became modern-day disenfranchisement laws.
In 2020, 47% of Latino Americans marched alongside us for Black lives.
They understood our intertwined struggles and that the boot on one community’s neck eventually will come for another. As this history unfolds in front of our eyes, the Black community stands with them, we all stand with them.
As a generation, the future of our economies, and world are resting on our shoulders, so to stand by and let the history repeat itself is just not an option.
These photos represent resilience, community, culture, and a shared value to adding more love into the world, no matter the skin tone. These photos remind me why I can’t stay quiet, even from 5,000 miles away.
— This is a collection of pictures I’ve taken across my photography portfolio, if you recognize any untagged people, let me know so I can give proper credit!—
I had the pleasure of shooting @wimbookfest this year, tasked with the series “Faces Behind Bookfest” which highlighted all of the behind the scenes navigation and characters. We can get lost in the crowds of fans, authors, and insightful panels, but sometimes focusing on the people who make it possible can be the most captivating. Thank you Wimbledon BookFest team for letting me explore your world
