Items
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#BlackLivesMatter
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2021-08-15
Pandemics, Wildfires, and Climate Change
The Covid 19 Pandemic is and was a transformative event representing history in the making. The state of Oregon and particularly Portland witnessed a trifecta of converging crises beginning with the lockdown on St. Patrick’s Day in 2020. That summer was one of the hottest in recorded history and saw the city and state divided in smoke-filled chaos. The literal last words of “I can’t breathe” uttered by George Floyd were being chanted in the streets downtown as wildfires raged in all corners of the state, set against the backdrop of a global pandemic. Everything felt surreal and the tension in the city was like a powder keg. By the following summer some advancements had been made, the first round of vaccinations administered, but the same underlying issues were present in Portland. Houselessness, fractured political ideologies, and Far-Right and Far-Left members clashing in an invisible maelstrom on the Willamette River. My husband and I had adhered to the very stringent guidelines and protocol set by both the city and state to the letter. For a bit of context, my husband worked on the front line as a department manager at a grocery store and wore a mask for eleven hours at a time often six days a week for a year and a half, while I volunteered at the Red Cross and held down the home front. In August of 2021, we finally decided that we needed to get out of town, so we grabbed the dog and set a course for the Crooked River in Central Oregon. It was a two-week period of sheer peace and glory bookended by fear and anger at the negligence of fellow humans. We camped on the river and practiced mindfulness and being present every day, breathing deeply the fresh air ushered in by a strong breeze from the East. The “going there” and “going home” portions were marred by anti-mask protestors with weapons arguing about state’s rights, as death toll numbers were rising. The fires had already burned over a million acres with no signs of slowing down, and the reality of Portland’s social justice issues did not disappear just because we did. The experience left us feeling gratitude for the opportunity to explore, our good health, and open minds, it was our 18th wedding anniversary, in which porcelain is traditionally given as a gift. Ironic, given the fact that not only is porcelain extraordinarily beautiful but also incredibly delicate, a perfect representation of the state of things during the summer of 2021. -
2020-06-01
A privilaged white latina women.
In the beginning of the pandemic, I was frightened like many others. My parents are older than most of my friends, both around their late fifties' early sixties. In the area I was living, Ohio, I began seeing many lawn signs of Covid 19 not being real. Like anyone who believes in science I became extremely frustrated. People coughing in line behind me at the grocery store when I was with my dad and talking loudly about how masks were “stupid”. I began feeling personally targeted because of wearing homemade masks from the beginning. I feared how many people I would have to come in contact with at work and how I might affect my parents' health just by living under the same roof. As Covid came into fruition I was a part of one of the lucky companies that gave the option to stay home from work and be paid a minimum. I was grateful. I began seeing a decline in mental health on social media. People could not take being home without their friends or their families were toxic. That’s understandable and I do not chastise anyone for feeling that way. My frustration stayed as I acclimatized myself to be home for months. I started paying close attention to news about organizations like churches, friend groups etc. gather even though we were in the height of Covid. I thought to myself “Can't it just...wait? Let us be safe first and gather later.” I feel it is unfair for me to make such a statement because I don’t know these strangers' lives at home, but it was hard to not take it personally when I had to shower anytime I went out for groceries or a mandatory meeting at work. Not to mention the constant dousing of sanitizer that my family and others who were fearful of Covid had to do to feel safe. All this was happening in America in my middle-class neighborhood and social media started showing the disparities between classes. I was lucky that my whole family could afford to stay home but there were many...many families that had to keep working even though they could die. Just to keep a roof over their heads. This especially affected people of color and minorities in our country. There was and still is social unrest. Finally, the disparities that had always been there had been forced to be paid attention to. There was no relief for the frustrations we were experiencing and bottling during this time. About midway through covid I found out my uncle in Colombia died because he had to continue driving a Taxi for work and no vaccinations had been issued. It just felt like there was nothing I could do but panic and wait. Then, one of the most egregious acts of police brutality had occurred. George Floyd had been murdered by a police officer who pinned him down with his knee as he said “I can't breathe” until he no longer could. America turned upside down. We saw videos of buildings being destroyed, fires, mass protests, shootings, the worst you could imagen. As a collective we had reached our boiling point and the last straw was this murder. My family was against my brother and I protesting because Covid still being at its height. I have protested at the Womens March in D.C and several pro-choice marches in Ohio but the Black Lives Matter movement was something I needed to educate myself on and stand up for. It was a calling for someone in my position of privilege to show up in numbers for people of color that deserve rights just as the rest of us. I often reflect on how my life could have been so different. My father is Colombian, and my mother is Polish. I look white and have always been raised in a middle-class neighborhood. I have not had to face the same injustices as my father, my family and minority groups in America just based off the color of my skin. Police brutality has always been in existence but when we were all home during Covid with modern day technology and video evidence, we felt that video to the core. We felt the pure rage and frustrations as a society of how we were not being cared for in the way we thought we would have been during this pandemic. I have never witnessed in my lifetime such united support for one another. Such a strong fight against people in power who are coming after the people we call friends, workers, lovers, and family no matter the color of their skin. In such destruction, pain and chaos I had never felt such beauty in our society. I will never forget the feeling of unity around me I had felt as hundreds of people laid down on the hard pavement during the Black lives Matter protest yelling “I cant breathe.” Finally, we could help the unheard be heard and take a deep breath together. -
2021-03-13
University of Minnesota students rallied to demand community control of the UMPD
From the Instagram post: The city of Minneapolis on Friday agreed to pay $27 million to settle a civil lawsuit with George Floyd's family just weeks before opening statements were scheduled to begin for the former officer charged with his death. This payment marked the second multi-million-dollar payout for police actions in the past two years. According to MPR News, the settlement in Floyd’s death raises the total amount the city has paid to settle police officer misconduct cases to $71 million over the past two decades. Yesterday, University of Minnesota students rallied to demand community control of the UMPD, call out racism on campus, and stand in solidarity with the family of George Floyd. -
2020-06-02
Wethersfieldblm instagram page
This item was important because this instagram was used to organize the Black Lives Matter march that took place on June 5th in Wethersfield. The account also created the “Grievances From the Members of Our Community” list. I think this item is important because this entire instagram, these documents, and most importantly, the protest/march were created by people I used to know back in high school and even before then. This shows that our/my generation is far more involved in activism than most other generations have, as you see and hear a lot more younger people have been taking part in these protests, and being more vocal on social media. This instagram is also a good public digital history project as it allowed members of the community to share their own stories and experiences. -
2020-12-02
“Back the Blue” sign
I decided to include this into the collection because I believe that it would be unethical to exclude the “opposing side”. The “Back the Blue” movement is a sort of counter-movement created against the calls to “defund the police”. ‘Back the Blue’ is also often referred to as ‘Blue Lives Matter’ or ‘Thin Blue Line’. I felt that this was necessary to include opposing viewpoints, as not to completely dismiss them from existing, which would be unethical, and future historians who look back onto 2020 will also find out about this counter movement and the reason why it was formed, which allows them to fully grasp the environment of our times. -
2020-06-02
“Justice for George Floyd” sign in front of Historical Building
This is a sign that was put at the door of a historical building in Old Wethersfield, shortly following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The killing of George Flyod, more specifically, the recording, are what caused the widespread Black Lives Matter protests over the summer. To me, this image is important for the archive because it shows the significance of this event in 2020, because it shook the world, not even just the US, and that support for the movement and support for justice is being called for from ~1.3k miles away. The video was spread over social media, which allowed for it to reach that level of audience that it was exposed to. -
2020-07-03
Tweet from Amy Morrin Bello - State Representative in the 28th District.
This tweet is referring to an incident that occurred when the Wethersfield Historical Society put out a Facebook message about how a Black Lives Matter poster was taken down from their building by a town employee, and how they are an apolitical institution. They mentioned they kept the poster for their own archives, however the backlash came at their wording about being ‘political’ and how Black Lives Matter isn’t a political movement, it is a human rights issue. This item is really interesting, as the historical society is preserving the poster to fill archival silences, and keep a record of current events, however, they are faced with backlash from people who believe that they are not being ethical due to them trying to hide the exposing of human rights violations, which is one of the roles in being an ethical archivist. -
2020-07-16
Grievances From the Members of Our Community
This item/document is an example of how my generation is attempting to make change in society. This document is a collection of grievances and injustices that people faced throughout their years in the Wethersfield school district. This document was submitted to the superintendent of schools and Wethersfield High School administration. I think this item exemplifies multiple criteria because it gives a voice to marginalized groups and their mistreatment in the school system, it was a project undertaken by young student activists, and it could lead to possible changes in the future. -
2020-08-08
“Black Lives Matter” sign
This sign is important because it is the main focus of my entire project and archive. Signs have become a major part of this pandemic, whether they are signs promoting a social message (such as this one), one supporting healthcare workers, or signs that are just motivational, signs have become the way of spreading hope and awareness during the pandemic. This item falls under the criteria of showing future historians a significant moment in the year 2020, as the entirety of the summer consisted of Black Lives Matter protests. The Black Lives Matter movement also was a way for the voices of black people to be amplified and speak up against police brutality and injustice. -
2020-12-07
History Repeating Itself
I wrote this exam for my History 103 class at Niagara University as my final project. https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/learning-slavery-legacy-slave-trade-modern-society https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5323/jafriamerhist.97.1-2.0110?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents https://digpodcast.org/2020/01/26/slave-contraband-refugee-the-end-of-slavery-in-the-united-states/ -
2020-05-26
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati
Kristin braved the risks of contracting Covid-19 to join Black Lives Matter protesters all over the United States in the wake of the death of George Floyd. -
2020-05-31
Black Lives Matter in North Dakota
After the George Floyd murder, citizens in Minot, ND put together a protest and vigil for Mr. Floyd at Oak Park in Minot, ND. Minneapolis is a mere eight hours from Minot and there were many people affected by Floyds murder in North Dakota. -
2020-06
BLM Protest During the Pandemic
A friend, who is to remain anonymous but offered a photo, lives in Washington D.C. and attended a BLM protest there. I asked her to share her experiences. “it probably didn’t move the needle anywhere, but I’m glad I went. The energy and atmosphere were... it’s hard for me to describe. After the sun went down it felt like a street fair, a party. During the day it was passion. The whole time there was a strong feel of togetherness” -
2020-09
Why Black Lives Matter to First Unitarian Church
This church stands in solidarity with African American people. Every month on the second Sunday they hold a vigil for the solidarity with Black Lives Matter. By doing this they are bringing a reflection and a connection space for people calling for racial injustice and the end to police brutality. The photo has been edited to protect the privacy of those attending the Black Lives Matter vigil. -
2020-11-06
My Part for Social Justice
The photograph is from Presidential election results won't stop Seattle BLM protests by David Kroman for Crosscut and was taken by Jovelle Tamayo of Crosscut during a Black Lives Matter protest on election night, 3 November 2020, in Seattle, WA. The article states no matter who wins the presidential election Social Justice protests will not stop. My experience throughout this year during the pandemic and Social Justice movements has been silent. Maybe I feel that my voice will not be heard but I do fear that if I do not say something, I’m hurting the movement for Social Justice. Social Justice movements will continue whatever the election results may be and inequality surrounding diversity will still exist too. Black Lives Matter has continued to spread its resolve for Social Justice, and I know my silence will not continue. Social Justice occurs and is a presence in our society today. It is up to the individual to make their decision to say something, but it will be present until changed. -
2020-06-01
Mayor of Phoenix in support of the movement
This screenshot is a statement that was released by the Mayor of Phoenix during the Black Lives Matter movement. In this statement the mayor explains how she is on their side and supports the peaceful protests for social justice. She also goes on to explain that the groups that are rioting and looting the city are not affiliated with those who are peacefully protesting, those are two separate groups. -
2020-06-18
St. Mary's Response to Racial Injustice: Email from President Thomas Mengler
The object is an email from St. Mary's University President Thomas Mengler recognized Juneteenth stating that campus will be closed that Friday, June 19th, 2020, for prayer and reflection on racial justice and racism in the U.S. In the email, President Mengler acknowledges the murder of George Floyd to reflect on during the summer of mass protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. The campus community is also called to action with upcoming initiatives to create an "anti-racist" university. Dialogue and action are said to occur and relate to the Mariniast belief and tradition to act for the common good. The email represents a significant time within our pandemic year, which was the death of George Floyd that influenced mass protests and greater momentum for the existing Black Lives Matter, demanding the police be defunded. The email portrays how St.Mary's as an institution has reflected on the national issue and its influence on Marianist culture and call to action. -
2020-06-02
Racism Caught on Cell Phone
This cartoon drawn by Michael de Adder was posted on Twitter in response to the murder of George Floyd being caught on cell phone camera. It highlights the racism that is seen by the majority of the public versus what minorities experience in their everyday lives. -
2020-06-04
Health Officials Agree With Protests.
This article is about public health officials urging people to join the fight for social justice. While the health officials state that everyone involved needs to be aware of the risks and take precautions, now is the time to demand change and join in solidarity with those affected by racial injustice. This post demonstrates that during the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials were agreeing with protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. This article is important because it demonstrates that social justice is needed yesterday, today, and tomorrow no matter what is happening. -
2020-06
A Difference Between Blue Lives and Black Lives.
This experience was a phone call I had with my mother in June. My mother is a corrections officer and works in the local jail. Amidst the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, I was discussing with my mom that I value her and the work she does, yet I fully support the BLM movement and the demand for justice. The conversation shifted to white privilege and I shared my ideas on what white privilege is and how it shows up. Towards the end of the conversation, my mother stated that she should be able to wear her uniform in public without being criticized, judged, or feeling unsafe, and how it was ‘unfair’ that the BLM movement targeted police officers. My response was, “at least you have the option to take your uniform and feel safe, whereas black people do not have that option.” -
2020-07-01
Taking Action
This post was the first story I read regarding the murder of Elijah McClain. I was shocked that I found out about it through my friend’s instagram and not the news. This post showed me the power of social media and need for social awareness. In my view, this post indicates an additional way individuals are seeking social justice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. -
2020-10-11
The Justice for George Floyd Information Map
As a librarian who works alot with maps, I am very impressed with this site: Justice for George Floyd. This is a way for anyone who wants to protest in the greater NYC area to keep track of upcoming and past events. You can also sign up and add your own events, which will then appear with a description link and an appropriate protesting icon on the map. -
2020-09-08
Black Lives On the Bottom of America's Totem Pole
This essay was produced as a part of the American Studies program at California High School in San Ramon, California. The essay is in response to the prompt "Is America currently living up to its core values?" This essay argues that black people are a key example to why America is not fulfilling to the country it seems to be. It also includes references to the following modern events: the Black Lives Matter Movement and police brutality. -
2020-03-30
Fighting for Equality during a Pandemic.
Back in March 2020, when we were first placed under quarantine, I was scared. I decided that in order to protect myself and the ones I care about, that it was better to stay home. I got my food delivered, if I had to go out, I made sure that I had my 'N95' mask, face sheild and gloves, took all the necessary precautions. Towards the ended of may, when the police shooting started happening again. I realized that even though we are in a pandemic the world hasn't stopped moving like I had, people were fighting for their brothers, sister, and families lives. They weren't fighting for better health care nor more food. They were risking their lives to protest against police brutality in their communities, and everywhere in the world. For the first time in months, I choose to get up and leave my little street, and join the people who were fighting for Black Lives. I found this so interesting, because no one could have told me that I would be marching through NYC during a pandemic. I wasn't only risking my health by protesting, but also my life. I'd seen the news showing the violent protests, cops body slamming people, tear gas in the air, and most importantly people showing solidarity to fight for what was right. And that when I realized time doesn't stop, because you do. -
2020-06-05
If You See Me Stealing a Penguin, Mind Your Business
During the first few days of the Black Lives Matter Protests, there was looting and rioting in some cities. This meme is a humorous statement about that looting. The creator claims he/she wants to steal a penguin if looting starts in Boston. Mind your business if you see him walking out holding one. -
2020-06-07
A Beautiful Wedding Amid a Black Lives Matter Protest in Philadelphia
In the middle of a big BLM protest in Philadelphia, a couple got married. She wore a white wedding dress and he was in a tuxedo. They struck a powerful pose and the whole event was tremendously moving and beautiful. -
2020-06-29
Virtual Racing
As a runner, a personal loss for me was my racing season. Though I’m not an elite runner, competitive running is a very important part of my life. In April, I discovered a virtual 19K, which I entered and completed, and thought the coronavirus medal was an interesting artifact of this experience. In May, as racially motivated murders became part of the public consciousness, I was happy to see one of the organizations I race with (Rock It Racing) was hosting a virtual “Rock it for Justice” race. No awards were given, participants were asked to wear black while running and all donations (including from purchasing shirts) were given to the Equal Justice Initiative. I signed myself and my 3rd grader up, and it was a great conversation starter for talking about issues of race inequity and incarceration with my daughter. On a lighter note, the AP Read (for scoring AP exams) was done entirely virtually this year. A “lazy marathon” was held for Readers who ran, biked, or swam certain distances during the 9 day read. It took me 2 days to hit 26.2 miles! -
2020-06-19
Bathroom Black Lives Matter LGBTQ+ Amazon Announcement
In this Announcement posted above the urinal in the Amazon Warehouse bathroom, the link between Black Lives Matter, the LGBTQ+ movement, and Amazon is made explicit. Clearly Amazon is actively choosing to endorse the Black Lives Matter movement in light of the fact that protesters were risking people's lives, according to the narrative, because many were not social-distancing during their protests, thus putting the public i.e. the elderly at risk. So this stance is noteworthy. -
2020-06-06
Scenes of the Crowds as They Protested in June 2020
These are aerial shots of the crowds in some of the cities where the Black Lives Matters protests were held. The crowds were unprecedented and the footage of them are dramatic. -
2020-06-10
Nebraska National Guard Soldiers Test Positive for COVID-19 Following Protests
A number of Nebraska National Guard soldiers have tested positive for COVID-19 following missions to assist law enforcement amid protests in Omaha and Lincoln. None of the affected soldiers have been hospitalized and all are isolating in their homes. Protests have flared across the country following the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, while in custody. Many of the protests have individuals packed tightly in large groups, many not wearing masks or following other recommended guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. -
2020-06-09
#NoJusticeNoPeace Murals Blanket Downtown Oakland
Local Bay Area artists are creating powerful social justice themed murals on the plywood used to board up Oakland businesses that were impacted in the chaos of the protests that began May 29, 2020 and are continuing over two weeks later. The art is capturing specific and unique elements of the current protests. One mural depicts a protestor wearing a mask as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Black Lives Matter and George Floyd are the subjects of many of the pieces. One large piece of art includes an image of Brianna Noble, who rode a horse during the May 29, 2020 protests. Another includes the names of victims of police brutality; visible are Oscar Grant, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. Finally, one mural reads "Oakland Is Still Proud." -
2020-06-06
Teens Organize Golden Gate Bridge Protests
The Golden Gate Bridge protest, that occured on June 6, 2020, was entirely organized and lead by two local East Bay youths. Tiana Day and Mimi Zoilia secured the permits that led to the first ever Black Lives Matter protest on the iconic San Francisco landmark. The outpouring of support for the pair has been strong. They have inspired youth across the San Francisco Bay Area to speak out for justice. Tiana's speech reveals the realities of growing up Black in what many consider to be an incredibly liberal region of the United States. -
2020-06-07
Stay Home, Wash Your Hands, BLM
I posted the original of this poster a few weeks ago, and I was happy to see that it has been modified with "BLM - Spectemur agendo," the second part of which seems to be Latin meaning, "Let us be judged by our acts." -
2020-05-29
The Class of 2020
This is a screen shot of a post shared by Dyami Thomas. She does not name the young man, but says he was unable to graduate because of Covid-19 so he took a photo in his cap and gown as the protests took place behind him. As a teacher, it has been incredibly difficult to watch my students struggle during what would have been the time of their lives, graduating and starting their next chapters. I just received news that several of my students lost their jobs and returned to work in the fields with their families because they needed the income. Some of my students are attending protests daily for BLM. I worry for them all, even this young man in the photo I have never met. They are experiencing the most turbulent year I have ever seen, and they embarking on their adult lives amidst the chaos. -
2020-06-07
Hipocresía domestica
Un dibujo político que muestra un hombre con un laptop investigando o publicando sobre el tema #BlackLivesMatter, al fondo se ve una mujer de la clase baja, seguro una empleada que trabaja en la casa. Esta sentada y se ve la escoba, cosas de limpieza, su cama y un tanque de agua. Se trata de la hipocresía que la gente tiene, y la realidad que hay mucho discriminación según líneas de clase, genero, y raza. -
2020-06-01
Lights Off
Amid the COVID19 pandemic, many people peacefully protested with gloves and masks, the racial injustices happening in the United States. After days of Black Lives Matter movement protest against police brutality towards Black folks, peaceful protesters gathered in front of White House. They were confronted with police in riot gear. All the exterior lights of the White House were shut off and the President was rumored to take shelter inside the bunker. -
2020-06-04
Support Black trans women and trans women of color - Iyanna Dior
IYANNA DIOR, 21, A TRANS BLACK WOMAN IN MINNEAPOLIS WAS BRUTALLY ATTACKED ON MONDAY BY A MOB OF PEOPLE MAINLY CONSISTING OF MEN AND SHE DESERVES OUR SUPPORT. —— PLEASE DONATE TO BLACK TRANS WOMEN AND TRANS WOMEN OF COLOR. PLEASE DONATE TO THE GO FUND ME IN MY BIO. -
2020-06-03
"Text FLOYD to 55156"
This was a peaceful protest in Irvine, CA, USA. They were protesting against police violence and their racism and racial profiling. This protest took place around June 3rd, 2020, when the COVID-19 Pandemic is still happening. -
2020-06-04
Protesting safely
This post probably applies to the Peruvian community living in the United States. The post reads, "stay safe," and advises people what to wear and take to a protest. It shows that Peruvians and other people of color identify with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and are part of the protests asking for accountability and strucutral change from police. -
2020-06-03
Black Lives Matter, pero pareces cholo
This image better describes some of the hypocrisy surrounding the social media support for #BlackLivesMatter. I'm glad that people in Peru are paying attention, but statements like "racism doesn't exist in Peru," belie the horrible truth. Racism is all around us whether in the U.S. or Peru. This meme in particular points out some of the controversial media images like La Paisana Jacinta that embody and make light of race and class differences. -
2020-05-25
2020: A never-ending series of issues
This meme highlights the never-ending onslaught of issues we as a society are facing every day. In only 2020, we've had escalated tensions between US and North Korea, COVID-19, the brutal murder of George Floyd, riots and murder hornets. And it's only June! -
2020-05-29
May 2020
This is the story of the riots and protests following the murder of George Floyd by 4 police officers. This shows that even in a pandemic people are still willing to fight the unjust and racist police system, even preparing to get tear gassed during the protests and filming it all to account for any injustice acts by the police. It especially shows the reality of having such an incompetent, unjust, racist president at this time; he is someone who refers to white protesters protesting the stay at home orders as "very nice people" while referring to black protesters fighting for human rights and equality "THUGS." Not only this but he publicly stated on twitter that the police are allowed to shoot protesters, threatening them basically.