In the spring of 2020, I partnered with the Cleveland print room to document life in Cleveland, Ohio. The focus was to highlight the people, culture, & neighborhoods in the city.
Two Weeks Later, Ohio shuts down due to Covid-19.
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curfews are set & People are told to stay inside. Schools & Businesses close their doors as Unemployment skyrockets across the nation, reaching 14.8%—the highest rate observed since data collection began in 1948.
With demand high & supplies low, fear & anger loom like a dark cloud as tensions between police & The Black community hit a critical boiling point.
May 30th
The biggest demonstration in Cleveland's history.
In the wake of George Floyd's murder, Protests erupt across All 50 states. demand for justice reform & police accountability goes global. Thousands unify downtown in solidarity.
"This is a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody. Hopefully, George is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing for our country."
- Donald Trump, in response to the national unemployment rate dropping to 13.3% / Source: CNN
After the march, Protesters gathered at the justice center. Police arrived in tactical gear with shields and Batons, deploying tear gas into the crowd.
Over 100 people are Injured & arrested. an estimated 6.3 million in property damages & loss to businesses resulting from the riot. It would later be discovered that most agitators were not local.
Downtown is placed on lockdown. Despite Restrictions, Volunteers from all over the city come together to help clean up the following day.
Several protests followed the riot. demands for change echoed through the streets. Black Lives Matter-Cleveland & community leaders work with city officials to defund the police & invest more in black Neighborhoods.
As of December 17, Cleveland prosecutors and judges have dismissed 53 of the 120 criminal cases involving 118 defendants.
April 20th, 2021
Derek Chauvin is found guilty of George Floyd's murder.
On All Counts.
“The good news is we’re seeing what appears to be a plateau in cases--We’ll feel better when it really goes in a defined, downward direction. I don’t think we can say we’re there yet.”
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, in response to covid-19 case rates / Source: fox8.com
One year after the pandemic, The city of Cleveland still recovers. clinical Trials have produced vaccines that are 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections; However, cases remain high & gatherings are limited.
As of October 2021, there have been over 44 million cases & 700,000 Deaths since the pandemic began in the US.
Stay Safe.
