This project is called Portraits for Protest. I wanted to take powerful and beautiful portraits of specific protesters from all walks of life in order to add real faces to the BLM movement. This includes Black men and women, Black Trans, Asian, Latino and Palestinian people. I’m hoping that by doing this, I can get people who are observing the sea of protesters to feel connected and empowered to participate. Along with the photos, I conducted short written interviews that speak to the individual asks of the movement and why people are involved.
1. Who are you?
Kara Gaskin
2. Is this your first time protesting?
No, the first protest I can remember attending was on my father’s shoulders as a child in Washington Square Park. As the child of immigrant parents, I’ve learned from their stories and the adversities they faced in this country. Using your voice and speaking up is crucial to the cause - use the agency you have in any given space and defend what you know is right. In my adult life, I have actively protested with the Black Lives Matter movement as they gained representation in the NYC area post the unjust killing of Eric Gardner.
3. What led you to take direct action for the Black Lives Matter movement? Or What led you to organize your own protest?
As a black woman, I have always stood for Black Liberation. It can sometimes be easier to do nothing when you think a situation does not directly impact you but we have to get to a place where an injustice against one is an injustice against all. Just in our very existence as black people, we have we been impacted by racism and prejudice. I can’t stress enough the importance of uniting within the community to fight for economic freedom, police reform and the dismantling of white supremacy. It’s the only way we will see equality during this lifetime or create a better future for the next generation.
4. Was there a moment that changed your perspective on racial inequality in America and if so can you describe that?
The defining moment for me when I really understood that my blackness could be weaponized was in college. I attended a predominantly white institution where people of color nor diversity were celebrated, embraced, or treated with equity. I fought racial micro-aggressions, accusations based on my race, was excluded from social groups, and learned quickly that my pro-blackness can be seen as a threat or “anti-white”. As I’ve grown my career in corporate culture, I find myself have to often minimize my voice so as to not be seen as the office threat.
5. What makes BLM protest today feel different then previous movements we’ve seen or studied?
What makes today’s BLM protests so unique and impactful is the power of social media. We have access to the movement no matter where we are and I think this is the first that the movement has made tangible progress in creating social awareness, gained a global following and shaped the need for legislation and reform. BLM has extended so far past police brutality and exposed the need for diversity and inclusion the workplace and among social groups. We are at a place where we are finally having the uncomfortable conversations necessary for change.
6. What do you see as the demands of the movement?
Justice, Police Reform and Economic Equality. To me, these demands directly address the injustices that have most impacted the black community. We no longer want to live in a society where we are feared, brutalized, discriminated against or ostracized for our blackness - one where we ourselves have to live in fear of the actions of those who fear us. Black people want to be seen for our talents and contributions and have equal opportunity at all stages.
7. What do you think is next for the movement and how would you like to see it evolve?
I would like to see the movement continue to have an impact on legislation and community policing. I also think space needs to be made for our leaders to speak at forums for social equality. The public has this misconception of what BLM is fighting for because the media does a poor job at highlighting the essence of the organization. Protesting with the group has been peaceful but disruptive to the status quo, as it should be! Our voices are finally being heard and we need to seize this moment to make our demands known. And continue fighting for them.
8. What do you say to people that are witnessing but maybe feel distant or not involved in the movement?
When you are aware of the atrocities done against black and indigenous people in this country, it’s hard to understand how anyone could not be called to the movement. The lack of care or involvement to me is willful ignorance. I say to people within my own community, unity and protecting our own is the only we can prepare ourselves for liberation. While allyship is beneficial to the movement, solidarity is crucial to the movement. White supremacy has created a “crabs in a barrel” mentality where we are all trying to create better life but we have to remember that our ancestors fought and died for this, and we are still not done.
