"The Power of Art and Connection: A Family's Embrace of a Heroic Image"
Today, I found myself at the George Floyd Square, drawn by the powerful and symbolic connections that bind us. I ventured to the Listen Media art exhibit, a creation of King Demetrius, recently unveiled to the public. Little did I know that within those walls, I would encounter a profound source of inspiration.
As I reconnected with King Demetrius, a community photographer, a family entered the store, and among them was a remarkable young woman named, Dominique who is a resident of the University of Minnesota community, has dedicated herself to the cause of social justice, and a passion deeply rooted in her Minnesota home. Dominique shared her journey with us, a tale of fighting tirelessly for social justice right here in Minneapolis, participating in the fiery protests that have echoed through our city.
Beside her stood her mother, a nurse who openly confessed her fears for her daughter's safety as she ventured into the front lines of change after the murder of my nephew in Minneapolis. As Dominique spoke, a revelation struck me like a lightning bolt. Here was this young resident (medical student 2020), risking her own life, forfeiting time and career prospects, and who knows what other personal sacrifices, all for the cause of justice, my family, George Floyd, and the civil rights of brown and black people in America.
Little did she know, tears filled my eyes as I realized she was fighting against the injustice of my family. It was a touching moment, especially when I replayed her mother's words in my mind; stating her concerns and prayers for her daughter's safety. It was a stark reminder of the countless individuals who had stepped out of their comfort zones, stood together in solidarity, and bravely fought for justice.
As I contemplated this, I thought of my nephew, Perry, and how many had rallied for his cause. I realized I could never repay these incredible souls for their dedication to our fight. But today, I understood one thing three years ago: we must walk with love. We must demonstrate God's love to others, showing our passion and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in this movement. Our Father calls upon us to love, not hate. The most profound thanks we can offer is love.
As our conversation continued, King Demetrius, the photographer, listened intently. He overheard Dominique's mention of her role in the medical team during the uprising that followed George Floyd's murder. She recounted the protest at the iconic intersection of 38th and Chicago, where she and her fellow medical students had been on the front lines. In a surreal twist, King Demetrius pointed to a photograph on the wall and asked her, "Is that you?" With astonishment, she replied, "Oh, my yes, it is! That is me!" Without her knowledge, her story had already been etched into one of King Demetrius's captivating photographs.
I stood there, stunned, having visited his art exhibit countless times, often wondering about the brave souls captured in those frames. This was an extraordinary experience; my heart overflowed with emotion and joy.
The revelation left Dominique's family and us in awe and deeply touched by that exhibit. It was a moment where our collective emotions swelled with an overwhelming sense of love and joy. It was as if God had orchestrated this moment to bring everything full circle, reminding us of the profound connections that bind us together in pursuing justice and love.
Surrounded by shared emotions, Dominique's family, deeply moved by the photograph that had captured their daughter's heroic moment, decided to purchase it. The picture now serves as a constant reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and love that permeates this struggle for justice.
As we left the exhibit, we carried with us the memory of this incredible encounter and a newfound appreciation for the power of art, love, and solidarity. The bonds we forged today, inspired by the unwavering dedication of individuals like Dominique, serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. What a great day!
A powerful Unexpectancy Angela Harrelson
