Photojournalism nominee

Following the racial reckoning in America, a group of activists occupied the plaza in front of the state Capitol in Nashville for 62 days. The state police attempted to dismantle their movement multiple times by conducting mass arrests. But this group of people — predominantly women — resisted through nonviolent confrontation, chanting freedom songs, and holding on to each other as a resilient community. They would get arrested, spend the night in jail, and then be right back. Some activists were arrested up to 7 times, over 200 arrests were made in total. “Ain’t gonna let no jailhouse turn us around, turn us around,” they would chant at the Davidson County jail. It’s inspiring to document this in Nashville, center of the nonviolent training during the 1960s civil rights movement. However, instead of addressing police violence and racism, the governor signed an anti-protest law that makes overnight sit-ins like this a felony. Protesters will face up to 6-years in prison and privation of voting rights. Putting Tennessee in the wrong side of history.

Photojournalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Exploring the role of street photography as a form of social commentary. He works on projects exploring urban life, the human condition, and contemporary issues.