On this day, I ventured into Philadelphia’s heart, drawn by the call of a BLM protest. It began with Gillian, my closest friend, suggesting we join. Although uncertain if the protest was happening, we stayed alert, our resolve firm. Once she confirmed it at City Hall, we readied ourselves, donning black shirts and masks, crafting signs, and heading out with my brother Liam.
We devised contingency plans, fearing potential violence. Reaching the city’s outskirts, we found exits barricaded, a blatant suppression of our right to protest. This only fueled our determination. Navigating through the quiet streets from 30th Station, we bypassed residential routes until old city emerged. There, our cars halted, we faced a twenty-minute trek to City Hall.
As we walked, Philadelphia seemed eerily deserted, devoid of life. Streets stood silent, boarded up, evoking a war zone’s somber tone. Approaching City Hall, three helicopters hovered while police lined every block. The sight of City Hall encircled by the National Guard and state police was surreal. In front, a few souls were creating art on the ground.
I resolved to document this moment with courage, capturing the range of emotions etched on the faces of law enforcement. Some appeared indifferent, others irritated, and many, overwhelmed by fear. After searching, we finally located the protesters and joined their march.
The march stretched for hours, a testament to our perseverance, though we left before it concluded. One poignant moment stood out: the entire crowd kneeling, a plea for police to do the same. Though the officers remained standing, the collective act of kneeling was profoundly moving, a testament to the love within the protest. The event defied the media’s grim portrayal; it was peaceful and beautiful.
Yet, I confronted a personal revelation, a challenge for my future career. I grappled with the choice between participation and documentation. In attempting both, I found myself detached, the camera a barrier to truly experiencing the moment. This sense of detachment will be a lesson I must learn to embrace.
