Ahmaud Arbery Trial: November 22, 2021
On Monday, November 22, 2021, I traveled to Brunswick, GA, to witness the Ahmaud Arbery trial firsthand. It was a new experience to say the least, as I have never used my camera to journal a pivotal moment such as this. As emotions ran high as the case dragged on, many things unfolded before my eyes and subsequently my camera. The strength of Wanda Cooper-Jones was astounding as I witnessed her repose walking into the courthouse.
Brunswick, GA. Briefing Mother, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Mother Morning Prayer, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Meeting with Rev., 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Morning Report, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Panthers March, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Contrary Banner, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Unrest and Hot-takes, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Rally Cry, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Black Power?, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Casket Full of Names, 2021. Film Photograph.
It was only after watching the bitter tears on her face before stepping into the courthouse that I realized the position I was in having a camera, and I made it my goal to record the event and the sentiments around it as accurate as possible seeing a few things that not only caught my eye but were dismaying as well. One of which was the New Black Panther Party, which seemed jaded in their fight for justice, reciprocating hate for hate, and distracted from the goal of seeing Ahmaud's justice carried out. The second is the casket full of names, people, who have been robbed of their life, having a great narrative and function but serving to promote a brand.
Brunswick, GA. Attention x Panthers, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Recording Intermission, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Diversion x Panthers, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Pigs Hanging in the Balance, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Foot on the Pigs Neck, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Recording Intermission (End Scene), 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Define Justice, 2021. Film Photograph.
Brunswick, GA. Justice Brings Peace, 2021. Film Photograph.
The photos that I have taken are all film, edited in relation to contrast and cropping, as well as titled according to the happenings surrounding the trial on November 22, 2021. After the first half of the photos were taken, there was a noticeable shift in the crowd as intermission was held. This marked more displays by the Panthers, which was not only felt by the photographers present but the crowd as well. This led to more radical displays in the form of hate speech and other small-scale demonstrations. And with that distraction, I had the chance to talk to many of the supporters that came to the trial as well as other people in the field of photography and cinematography. We talked about race relations, the responsibility of having a camera, as well as what it meant to be an ally for a cause that you are not directly a part of. The conversations and sentiments of the supporters are reflected in the second half of the photos spanning the time frame of the intermission and ending with images of supporters to show a dichotomy as well as the range of ideas/ideals.