Yesterday, I had the privilege to witness and document protests in two Georgia cities: Atlanta (below) and Athens (soon to come). I use the word privilege mindfully: in situations like this one, I am reminded of the immense privilege I have as a journalist to do my job and lay down the first record of history. But also, I am honored to witness people using their first amendment rights to create change in our country.
I believe that these protests are not black Americans versus white Americans, nor do they insinuate that because black lives matter, all lives do not. Instead, I think that the photos below demonstrate a cry for help from our fellow citizens — people who have been oppressed in the land of the free for far too long.
And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? … It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
[Editors Note]: It is here that I want to remind you of the premise of this project — we are more alike than different and most people are good. I believe that goes for the people who demonstrated in Atlanta just as much as it goes for the police officers and national guardsmen who were present at the event. As with all of my coverage in the past year, I hope it helps you gain a more full picture of the many pieces in the American puzzle.
