My photo series theme is social justice, so in these photos each one is trying to capture a different social justice aspect. For instance my first photo in this series is discussing the more conventional aspect of social justice: Going to rallies and marches for a topic/ issue you’re passionate about. Which as important and as feel-good it is, isn’t the only aspect of activism.

My second photo(s) is a photojournalism series about looking past our differences and empathizing with one another and embracing our similarities in order to create a more just and peaceful society. My meaning behind the photos is that all these people by default have two things in common: they agreed to be photographed and they work at and/or shop at West Side Market. If I know the 20+ people who agreed to be photographed already have two things in common, imagine all the other things they have in common they might not know about. It is so crucial to look for these similarities in one another.

My superhero photo is about learning to take care of yourself before taking care of others and making the change you want to see, being your own superhero. Whether that means voting, going to protests, raising awareness for an important cause, overall anything that makes your opinion heard. 

In my last photo, Erica Vladimer, a woman running for Congress speaks out on her experience with sexual violence, at a panel discussion for a week without violence. Additionally, she talks about how she wants to make the US a safer place and work towards getting rid of gender violence, which highlights the importance of community.  This perfectly fits into the theme of social justice because this photo’s purpose is to raise awareness for this issue and the people trying to fight against it. 

Before you can form a rally or march there needs to be a community, when we empathize for others and look past our differences it helps to have supporting people and other allies, and lastly it is important to have your own personal community when taking care of yourself and making sure your voice is heard. The importance of community is key to any form of activism and/or social justice.