“It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will…”
-Sam Cooke
What an intense time in history: worldwide pandemic, political turmoil, racial injustice, and I’m sure the list goes on and on. While I have my own personal opinions on the current situation and injustices in America, it feels oddly empowering and exciting to be a part of a historical movement that will one day be in History books, and I’ll be able to tell the younger generations, “Back in my day..” However, I know this is not the same sentiment for other individuals in my life. For my black brothers and sisters, I continue to hear their desperate cry for help - and at the top of that cry, they are TIRED. And I’m tired for them. In my own selfishness and privilege, I have too often turned a blind eye to situations I believe didn’t “affect me”. But I was wrong. And I ask my black brothers and sisters to please forgive me for my ignorance.
For the past week, I’ve seen my own privilege as a gay man of color be highlighted as more secure, or safer, than my black brothers and sisters - including my own family with whom I share the same blood. It wasn’t until I put myself in the shoes of my two cousins who are mixed Black and Hispanic, that my heart became heavy, and tears fell from my eyes knowing that their collective life experience is vastly different than mine; and that opinions of them have been skewed solely based on they color of their skin, and not on the beautiful individuals that they are. That’s when I thought, “I need to use my privilege and my voice to speak up for the black community. I need to be active in my pursuit to see equality fill our streets and our homes.”
Like many of you, I’ve used social media to raise awareness. I posted a black square in solidarity, I’ve reached out and written to government officials, I’m in the process of watching documentaries and films for my own personal education, and I’ve shared some of my own spiritual convictions regarding this matter. I’ve also encouraged my social media following to REGISTER TO VOTE. All of this is good, and fine and effective. However, I also wanted to do something physically active for the cause. So I went to a demonstration rally down the street from my home. I grabbed my camera, walked less than 200 yards, and stood amongst the demonstrators, raising our voices in unison, chanting for change. It was beautiful and inspiring to see people of all colors and from all backgrounds unite in solidarity for our black brothers and sisters.
My platform isn’t huge by any means, but I know that the voice I’ve been given is important, it matters, and is my calling as a man of faith to share the personal convictions of my heart. At the end of this blog, you’ll find a video of Hillsong leader, Carl Lentz, giving a sermon in 2016 - it could not be more relevant, and speaks what my heart feels in this moment. Also, should you feel the calling to learn more about this movement, you’ll find links to resources below.
What you’ll see now, are images from the Black Lives Matter Demonstration in the City of Anaheim on Wednesday, June 3. It was a peaceful protest. I’m by no means a photo journalist, but I did want to use my gifting for this movement.
*Trigger Warning*
Some images may be difficult to view, but they are a solid representation of the demonstrations and protests you’ll currently see throughout all 50 states in the United States. Let your voices be heard.
“You’ve got to be taught
to be afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
is a diff’rent shade
You’ve got to be carefully taught.”
“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on 'til victory is won.”
-Black National Anthem
ALL IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEVE LIMONES PHOTOGRAPHY
Instagram: @stevelimonesphotography
Thank you to the City of Anaheim for accommodating a peaceful protest where voices could be heard. Thank you to Anaheim PD for keeping those voices safe.