Saskiya Fagan, 24, is a field organizer for the Tallahassee chapter of Dream Defenders in Florida, Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
I advocate for many things and for many reasons. IÕm a first generation American because my grandma was fleeing poverty from Jamaica only to find poverty and oppression here in America. I do my work for other young Black girls trying to figure out who they are in the world. I think we're taught to be small and quiet. Part of my advocacy work means I have to take up space and be comfortable enough within my voice and my body to show up fully in the fight. (Photo by Nallah Brown)
By Nallah Brown
Just two days after the murder of George Floyd on May 25, the residents of Tallahassee experienced their trauma of state violence in Florida with the murder of Tony McDade. Amid a pandemic, activists and community members dropped everything to demand justice in the streets.
I was interested in identifying just a few of the people risking their health for a cause. So I reached out to the local organizations to learn about the individual’s personal bonds to being a part of a national fight against state violence and oppression.
Marie Rattigan, 24, is a field organizer for the Tallahassee chapter of Dream Defenders in Florida.
Marie Rattigan, 24, is a field organizer for the Tallahassee chapter of Dream Defenders in Florida, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
ÒWhen I was 13 I was arrested and could have been funneled into the criminal justice system or even worse another Tamir Rice or Trayvon Martin. While I was sitting in the back of the police car for 6 hours, the officers lied to my mom and told her I was in the juvenile detention center. Myself, mom, dad and brother have all been mistreated by the police and I want to be the change I want to see. On the streets I’m no longer just thinking about me, I’m thinking about my nieces, nephews and unborn children.Ó (Photo by Nallah Brown)
“Myself, mom, dad, and brother have all been mistreated by the police and I want to be the change I want to see. On the streets, I’m no longer just thinking about me. I’m thinking about my nieces, nephews, and unborn children.”
Saskiya Fagan, 24, is a field organizer for the Tallahassee chapter of Dream Defenders in Florida.
Saskiya Fagan, 24, is a field organizer for the Tallahassee chapter of Dream Defenders in Florida, Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
I advocate for many things and for many reasons. IÕm a first generation American because my grandma was fleeing poverty from Jamaica only to find poverty and oppression here in America. I do my work for other young Black girls trying to figure out who they are in the world. I think we’re taught to be small and quiet. Part of my advocacy work means I have to take up space and be comfortable enough within my voice and my body to show up fully in the fight. (Photo by Nallah Brown)
“I do my work for other young Black girls trying to figure out who they are in the world. I think we’re taught to be small and quiet. Part of my advocacy work means I have to take up space and be comfortable enough within my voice and my body to show up fully in the fight.”
Jasmine Hudson, 23, is a founding member and student liaison for the 850 movements in Tallahassee Florida.
Jasmine Hudson, 23, is a founding member and student Liason for the 850 movement in Tallahassee Fl Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
ÒBeing a student, I think about the student activists that come before me. Regardless of them being students they knew that they were Black in an America that wanted to see them lose. Everybody deserves to be treated fairly regardless of who they are or what they do in life.Ó (Photo by Nallah Brown)
“I think about the student activists that come before me. Regardless of them being students, they knew that they were Black in an America that wanted to see them lose. Everybody deserves to be treated fairly regardless of who they are or what they do in life.”
Trisha Brown, 51, is a member of the Tallahassee Action Committee and candidate for City Commission Seat 2 in Tallahassee.
Trisha Brown, 51, is a member of the Tallahassee Action Committee and running candidate for City Commission seat 2 in Tallahassee, Fl Wednesday, August 4, 2020.
ÒMe being impacted by gentrification, impacted by poverty, and impacted by incarceration; IÕm about strategizing, mobilizing and uplifting voices. I want to give prosperity, justice and equality to all of us citizens in the city of Tallahassee.Ó
It’s time that we actually have us, civilians at the table who know what the problems are in our communities and have the answers to what we need to make a better community.Ó (Photo by Nallah Brown)
“Me being impacted by gentrification, impacted by poverty, and impacted by incarceration; I’m about strategizing, mobilizing, and uplifting voices. I want to give prosperity, justice, and equality to all of us citizens in the city of Tallahassee.”
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