Lucila Baptiste

Freelance Photographer
 
Through My Lens
Public Project
Through My Lens
Copyright Lucila Baptiste 2024
Date of Work Mar 2021 - Ongoing
Updated Feb 2022
Location Minneapolis, MN
Topics Activism, Community, Culture, Documentary, Ethnic minorities, Hope, Human Rights, Journalism, Joy, Loss, Love, Minority, Oppression, Peace, Peacekeeping, Photography, Photojournalism, Protests, Racism, Reckoning, Social Justice, Sorrow, World
In the waning days of 2019, a sense of optimism and anticipation filled the hearts of many, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of a new year. It was a time when people envisioned a fresh start, armed with clear objectives and aspirations. Little did they realize that the events of January 26, 2020, would forever alter the trajectory of the year. The tragic and untimely demise of Kobe Bryant served as a harbinger of a series of unforeseen and arduous circumstances that lay ahead.

Merely two and a half months later, on March 13, 2020, the world was abruptly thrust into a state of lockdown due to the rapid and relentless spread of the Covid-19 virus. These were truly harrowing times, as individuals were confined to their homes, with only essential workers permitted to venture outside. The rest of society found solace and connection through the medium of television and the virtual realm of social media.

However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty that enveloped the globe, the month of May brought about a significant turning point. The world bore witness to the heart-wrenching murder of George Floyd, an African American man from Minneapolis, which was captured on video and circulated widely. This tragic event ignited a fervent passion within me, compelling me to embark on a personal journey as a photojournalist. Driven by a deep desire for justice, I dedicated myself to documenting the protests that erupted in response to Floyd's death and to shedding light on the broader uprising happening here in America. From the bustling streets of New York City to the corridors of power in Washington DC and the vibrant neighborhoods of Philadelphia, I immersed myself in the heart of numerous demonstrations. However, it was my pilgrimage to Minneapolis during the trial that left an indelible mark on my soul. As a black Latin woman raising teenagers in this tumultuous climate, it was of utmost importance for me to tell the story and provide real-time insights into the struggles and resilience of the uprisings happening here in America. This project has evolved into a long-term commitment, as I make it a point to travel every year on the anniversary of murder of George Floyd, capturing the unwavering spirit and strength of the community that has transformed the area into what is now recognized as an autonomous zone. These past year has bestowed upon me a unique perspective on the convergence of journalism and photography, enabling me to illuminate significant narratives and bring forth stories of utmost importance.


Home — Flicks By Lucy 
En los últimos días de 2019, muchos de nosotros estábamos llenos de esperanza y entusiasmo por el nuevo año, imaginando un nuevo comienzo con objetivos claros. Poco sabíamos que los eventos del 26 de enero de 2020 cambiarían para siempre el curso del año. La trágica pérdida de Kobe Bryant marcó el comienzo de una serie de eventos inesperados y desafiantes. 

Apenas dos meses y medio después, el 13 de marzo de 2020, el mundo se vio obligado a confinarse debido a la rápida propagación del Covid-19. Eran tiempos realmente aterradores, en los que solo se permitía salir a los trabajadores esenciales y el resto de nosotros dependíamos de la televisión y las redes sociales para conectarnos. 

Sin embargo, en medio del caos, mayo trajo un punto de inflexión. El mundo fue testigo del asesinato de George Floyd, un hombre negro de Minneapolis, capturado en video. Este evento encendió un fuego dentro de mí, y me embarqué en mi viaje como fotoperiodista, documentando las protestas y buscando justicia para George Floyd.Desde la ciudad de Nueva York hasta Washington DC y Filadelfia, cubrí numerosas demostraciones, pero fue mi viaje a Minneapolis durante el juicio el que tuvo el impacto más profundo. Como mujer negra que cría a adolescentes en este clima tumultuoso, fue crucial para mí contar la historia y brindar información en tiempo real sobre el levantamiento que está ocurriendo aquí en Estados Unidos. Este proyecto se ha convertido en un compromiso a largo plazo, ya que sigo viajando todos los años en el aniversario, captando la resiliencia de la comunidad en lo que ahora se conoce como una zona autónoma. Estos últimos años me han otorgado una perspectiva única sobre la convergencia del periodismo y la fotografía, permitiéndome iluminar narrativas significativas y presentar historias de suma importancia.
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