I was featured in the Observer on September 30, 2020, in an article by Jordyn Paul-Slater titled "Black Photographers Discuss the Challenges and Necessity of Documenting Protests." This article explores the experiences of Black photojournalists capturing the Black Lives Matter protests and the lessons this moment is teaching the broader arts community about race, respect, and responsibility. The feature emphasizes the emotional connection and challenges of documenting such personal and historical events.
In the article, I discussed the emotional weight of documenting protests and the impossibility of separating my own emotions from the objective task of photography. Covering protests for CNN, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and The New York Times, I shared my experiences of feeling the collective pain and recalling instances of personal racial injustice. Despite the professional demands, I allowed myself to experience and convey these emotions, providing authenticity and dignity to the subjects and the stories captured.
The Observer article also highlighted the broader conversation among Black photographers about protecting the anonymity of protestors while capturing the essence of the movement. This feature underscored the significance of our work in documenting these historic moments with heart and authenticity, navigating the balance between emotional involvement and professional diligence. The coverage amplified the critical role of Black photographers in the ongoing fight for racial equality and the importance of visual storytelling in advocating for social justice.