A Nation’s Uprising
Black photojournalists share their images from the new frontlines.
Week of June 1, 2020 — America’s frontline has shifted to the streets, and Black photojournalists are putting themselves at the center.
Trix published a view through their lenses and captured their perspective on what it’s like to document the spectrum of grief and hope reverberating in protests across the nation.
Studies have found that media coverage tends to over-index on violent aspects of movements associated with racial justice and police brutality, skewing the public view and contributing to the collective trauma of Black journalists and communities. But these photojournalists show there’s more to the story.
“I’m here to show the revolution the right way by putting humanity first. My people are beautiful and should be treated as such.” —Dee Dwyer, Washington D.C.
“I am happy I found it in myself to decide I’d had enough and that it’s time to do something different. Rest In Peace George Floyd and all Black people who’ve lost their lives at the hands of another human’s hate or fear of them in America and around the world.” —Flo Ngala, New York City
“This is not the time to be on your ass afraid. Our freedom is at stake, and we must protect our humanity.” —Steven Irby, New York City
“We’re focusing more on maintaining the freedom we, as Black people, rightfully deserve and putting an end to systemic issues against Black people in America. My hope is that when people see these photos they know that we fought harder than we ever did before in the name of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and the countless lives of Black folks in our nation.” —Lynsey Weatherspoon, Atlanta, GA
“As a Black female photojournalist it’s my natural instinct to make images that speak to me, my own identity and hold power to resonate with other people. When I saw Louis Michael proudly dressed in his cap and gown, he was standing directly in front of the police line. To me, that moment spoke volumes. Without saying a word, Louis Michael made a profound statement.” —Sarahbeth Maney, Bay Area, CA
RESOURCES FOR OUR READERS
Trix stands in solidarity with our Black communities and commits to providing a platform for voices and resources working to end systemic racial injustice and police brutality.
Here are some of the organizations dedicated to a better quality of life for Black women, girls and artists.
Loveland Foundation
Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. We are becoming the ones we’ve been waiting for.
Black Mammas Matter
Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. We center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
Cave Canem
Founded in 1996, Cave Canem is a national organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets.
Higher Heights
Higher Heights Leadership Fund is building a national civic engagement infrastructure and network to strengthen Black women’s leadership capacity. Higher Heights Leadership Fund is investing in a long-term strategy to expand and support Black women’s leadership pipeline at all levels.