The oppression of one’s voice is a theme that resonates deeply with me. Coming from an Asian American background and growing up in Richmond, Virginia (the former capital of the Confederacy), I know how it feels to have a voice that seems unimportant to everyone else. Therefore, going to a protest in downtown Los Angeles the day after Donald Trump was announced president-elect, where people stand up against bigotry, hate, sexism and xenophobia, felt like a must.
I’m glad I did. At times, I feared for my life, but I was inspired by the people who came together out of love for one another. It was this love that connected us all on that warm L.A. night.
People often tell me how powerful my images are, but credit is due to the people who give me the photographs. It is the people who allow me to photograph them and see them in all their anger, frustration and vulnerability. It is the people who allow me to represent their deepest dreams, hopes and aspirations. I hope my photos do their stories justice.
Hands up, don’t shoot
A woman puts her hands up in the air in a police officer’s face as she and the crowd around her chant, “Hands up! Don’t shoot!”
Not my president
A young man waves a Mexican flag in front of City Hall while a Donald Trump sculpture is hung from the light post and destroyed.
A war of words
City Hall is vandalized while police officers try to quell the protests.
A vandalized city
Two people walk by a vandalized storefront — one of many instances of graffiti throughout downtown Los Angeles.
Violence is not the answer
A man asks everyone to go home to prevent any outbreaks of violence.
We won’t back down
Hundreds of people gather on the 101 Freeway. With each passing moment, the energy intensifies, resulting in the California Highway Patrol being called in.
I dare you
A young woman holds up a sign in defiance of Trump’s statement in an audio recording where he admits to sexually assaulting women.
Riot gear
The California Highway Patrol wears riot gear in case the peaceful protest turns violent.
Silent prayer
A man prays silently as police officers brace themselves for potential violence. Another protester tells the officers not to shoot.
Stop police brutality
People put their hands up in the air in protest of police brutality along with the election of Trump.
Let’s stand together
A woman dressed in white opens her hands in a nonviolent fashion in front of a police officer.
You can move us, you can’t stop us
The police cut off a section of the freeway and begin pushing protesters back onto the city streets. Protesters gather on the streets above.
My body, my choice
A young woman fights for her right to get an abortion without the fear of punishment.
Leave a Comment