The Summer of Freedom
New York City, heartbroken over the loss of so many of its own to COVID-19, came together on May 28, 2020, to protest the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. Over 50 days of sustained protesting in all five boroughs of New York City have followed. The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 in the aftermath of the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin. With the daily protests spanning over five weeks, the BLM movement has grown in scope and inclusivity. Calling for the defunding of police departments across the country, a focus on the murders of Black Trans Women, as well as dismantling of structures of racism in America. This led to what many protesters have dubbed "The Summer of Freedom".
“Fuck the Police,” a common rallying cry among Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters in New York City, is spray painted on a bus stop ad in front of waiting New York Police Department officers near Union Square.
Police Lieutenants look down at a woman who fell during an earlier scuffle and laid there with her hands up. After a few minutes she got up and walked away without further police interaction.
An NYPD Police Officer and a protester argue face to face next to a trash fire near Union Square. Protests across the country began after Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, ending in his death.
As BLM protest marches can last hours through the streets of New York, some come prepared with water, goggles and other supplies. The chants for justice lasted for hours to the point of some protestors losing their voices.
Motorists show support for protests by raising a fist in the air as they drive past a spray-painted and damaged police van. On the night of May 30,2020 eight NYPD vans were either burned or severely damaged.
Jazz pianist Jon Batiste leads a protest through the empty streets of New York with chants, music and joy. Batiste stopped the group of 2,000 marchers to perform "Empire State of Mind," encouraging those in the crowd to join in.
Black Lives Matter protesters march through mid town under signs and flags on day 10 of protests in New York City. According to The United States Flag Code, an upside American flag symbolize “dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Tito, center, uses a megaphone and a speaker system to announce a seven-part plan of action to the thousands in attendance of the BLM protest at Washington Square Park.
An NYPD police officer throws a protester to the ground by their hair during a protest on the Brooklyn Bridge. A group of BLM protesters peacefully blocked the Brooklyn Bridge ahead of “The Jericho Power of Prayer March," where a pro-law enforcement group marched to City Hall. BLM protestors locked arms and refused to leave the bridge when ordered by NYPD to disperse. Cops charged the protestors, tackling them, and chasing those fleeing till the roadway was clear and all were in custody. Next officers cleared all protesters from the walkway of the bridge resulting in over 20 people arrested. The actions of NYPD caused a massive increase in tension and frustration throughout the day.
Thousands dressed in white fill the streets in support of Black Trans Lives Matter and George Floyd on June 14, 2020 in Brooklyn. Protests continue around the country in the wake of the death of Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
Third spreads out their winged cape during the Black Trans Lives Matter march on June 14, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Over 15,000 came out to show support and march through the streets of Brooklyn
Maliha, center, dances during a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2020 in New York City. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when a Union general read orders in Galveston, Texas stating all enslaved people in Texas were free according to federal law.
Rilly Ril wears Black Lives Matter jewelry during a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2020 in New York City.
Spray-painted sidewalks in the occupied space outside City Hall on June 27, 2020 in Manhattan, New York. The City Hall group camped outside the New York City Hall demanding the 1 billion dollar cut is made to the budget.
Protesters gather at the Brooklyn Museum for a Black Women's Vigil honoring black women's worth and efforts, as well as demanding allies show up in support for black women.
Helen W., left, Attis Clopton, center, and Elenna Canlas, right, observe a moment of silence during the Black Women's Vigil honoring black women's worth and efforts outside the Brooklyn Museum.
US Army veteran, Jonathan, raises his middle fingers at an NYPD police helicopter during a Unite NY Rally. Organizers held the event in support of Portland and to show they will not be silenced by violence.