More than a mood, the movement to defund the police and push back against police brutality intensifies in Los Angeles protests.
Unlike previous civil unrest in Los Angeles , the uprisings spread like summer wildfire, but burned most intensely in predominantly white, wealthy and gentrified communities.
The message during the protests was clear—many in the city were tired of police brutality and corruption. Contrasting to previous narratives showing a segregated L.A. when it comes to politics, a wide spectrum of protesters came out to support efforts against anti-Black violence from law enforcement.
These photographers captured protests in the city in black and white.
Many protests went on peacefully, while some demonstrators brought their children. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Black Angelenos are 13 times more likely to be arrested in LA County, although they make up around 6 to 7 percent of the population. Photo credit: Donovan Valdivia in Unsplash.
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Los Angeles was founded by 42 people who were African, Afro-Mexican, mixed-race and Black and Brow indigenous. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Black Lives Matter protester. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Famous sign of a Black fist from the 1960s Black Panther Party signifies Black power, brotherhood and unity. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
May and June 2020 protests were instigated by the killing of Minneapolis African American resident, George Floyd. Since, rallies across the globe against police brutality have popped up.Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Black Lives Matter is a slogan that emerged in 2014 when people began to protest the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Protest in downtown Los Angeles on Spring Street near Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters and the garment district. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Rally-goer showing solidarity. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Standing in front of the Superior Court building in downtown Los Angeles demonstrators protest against the police and disproportionate jail sentencing of Black residents. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Protesters in downtown Los Angeles. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
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Los Angeles protestors ranged in age, economic and racial demographic. Photo credit: Donovan Valdivia in Unsplash.
Reports around the country detail Black Lives Matter protests with a very strong, and in some instances, a predominant non-black demonstrating crowd. Photo credit: Mike Von in Unsplash.
Currently, the Los Angeles Police Department has a $1.189 billion budget. Photo credit: Donovan Valdivia in Unsplash.
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Following a series of daily protests, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti says he will propose $150 million in budget cuts to the city council. Photo credit: Donovan Valdivia in Unsplash.
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St. Regios Liquor is in the West Hollywood district, down the street from the Beverly Center. Much different than the 1992 Rebellion, demonstrators did not make it out of South Los Angeles. The damage and flurry of protests in white neighborhoods sent a strong signal to city establishment. Photo credit: Donovan Valdivia from Unsplash.
All photos in this photo story are from Unsplash. Ark Republic thanks the photographers Donavan Valdivia and Mike Von for making anti-Black violence and police brutality protests more visible.
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