Conclusion

These images document a response to a period of history that has fallen far short of “America the Beautiful.” Black people have been the victims of some of the country’s most heinous crimes, too often carried out by those sworn to uphold the law. But in spite of the brutal nature of the events that gave rise to protest, these images document America at its best. Throughout America’s history its people have consistently demanded change, most often born from pain. Taking these photographs in 2020, I knew I was in the epicenter of a pain–induced cry for change. The defeat of Jackie Lacey in her run for re-election as L. A. District Attorney is proof. Sam Cooke probably expressed the sentiments of many descendants of the Middle Passage when he sang, "It’s too hard living, but I’m afraid to die… It's been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come." The lyrics are just as timely now as they were in 1964 and will probably always ring true in America’s pursuit of racial justice. And that may not necessarily be a bad thing, because no change could be far worse.