Sylvia Jarrus

The Black Lives Matter Movement

A snapshot of the Black Lives Matter protests in Detroit, Michigan in reaction to the police-involved killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Detroit is an incredibly resilient city that’s had its fair share of struggles yet remains fuelled by the most innovative, determined and passionate people you will ever come across. Protesters I spoke with are so tired of fighting for their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons and everyone else who they love. The exhaustion, fear, pain, and passion Detroiters are feeling could be felt as they chanted Breonna Taylor and George Floyd’s names on the streets of the city. I witnessed people in pain, people in love, and people whose strength and spirit inspired me to keep documenting. I also saw many quiet moments of love, tenderness and community. 

Lauren Jones of Detroit chants while marching down Michigan Ave. during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. 

Stacey Graham of Detroit holds her sign while marching down Michigan Ave. during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night, protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. “We’re just so tired, we’re exhausted. I have a son and grandson fear for them all the time,” she said. “That’s no way to live…to live in fear.” 

Tristan Taylor, lead organizer of Detroit Will Breathe speaks to members of the media during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He was arrested Tuesday night along with hundreds of other protestors and was charged with a felony for inciting a riot. He was released Wednesday afternoon and came straight to the protest. 

Brandon Crawford of Detroit raises his fist in solidarity during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. “I’m here because I’m black, and black lives matter.” 

Two protesters stand outside of the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters during a protest against the death of George Floyd and the assault of Sha'Teina and Dan Grady El by Washtenaw County police, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. May 29, 2020. CREDIT: Sylvia Jarrus for REUTERS

 Allen Dennard plays the trumpet amidst hundreds as they march during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. 

Stefan Perez,16, a lead organizer leads the crowd down Michigan Ave. during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. 

 A protestor holds a photo of George Floyd during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd and the assault of Sha'Teina and Dan Grady El by Washtenaw County police, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. May 29, 2020. CREDIT: Sylvia Jarrus/ REUTERS 

Hundreds of protestors turned out for the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

A police officer is seen during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

Residents watch from their homes as protestors march through Southwest Detroit during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

Demetrius Morgan and Nia Mitchell of Detroit stand for a portrait during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. They happened upon the protest after spending a day together in downtown Detroit. “I feel it’s needed,” Morgan said. “This has to be the last straw.” “This has to go on for as long as it needs to be until theres a change. Sometimes you gotta fight fire with fire.” 

Employees at a local restaurant watch protestors march through Southwest Detroit during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

Ariel Lovelace of Detroit leans out her car to shout chants along with the protestors during the the sixth consecutive day of protests. “Nobody hears us unless we do stuff like this so we can get our point across,” she said. “I have a son I fear for everyday because I know how unequal it is for a black man to grow up in America.” 

Hundreds of protestors turned out for the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

A skirmish breaks out during the the sixth consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. 

A protestor spray paints “No Justice No Peace” onto a wall during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

Jariq,16, during a Children’s March against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others hosted by the Detroit Parent Collective in Detroit, Michigan, USA on Friday, June 5, 2020. “In certain jobs I just don’t think there’s room for error.” Jariq said. 

Protestors march through Southwest Detroit during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

 Emma Davis-Roda, 19, and Mykah Schaffner,19, of Ann Arbor raise their fists while singing the Black National Anthem during the seventh consecutive day of protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others on Thursday, June 4, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It was Schaffer’s third day at the protests. “I’m glad it’s a diverse crowd and to see everyone supporting the movement,” she said. “It needs to be a collective of everyone coming together.” CREDIT: Sylvia Jarrus for NBC News 

Kelci Norton,18, of Detroit is comforted by a fellow protestor as she cries during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. “Right now I’m very hurt and distraught because there are so many instances where they’re not held accountable,” she said. “Your silence is compliance and we cant have that.” 

Two protestors listen to a speaker during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

A protestor raises her first during the second consecutive day of protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Detroit, Mich. On Friday night protests escalated resulting in dozens of arrests and a shooting death of a 21-year old man. 

A small American flag lays on the cement during a Juneteenth Freedom Rally at Spirit Plaza on June 19, 2020 in downtown Detroit, Michigan. CREDIT: Sylvia Jarrus for Medium

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