Listen

This article is part of the Arc of Justice series, responding to the killing of George Floyd and the international movement it has sparked.

On the corner of 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed by police last week, I went out to hear what was on people’s minds in the days following his death. A memorial on the sidewalk had grown to cover the street in messages of grief, determination, and hope. A mural of George was being painted on a wall. Cars blocked the streets. Families brought their children to bear witness to what had happened. The crowd was a mix of activists, onlookers, clergy, mourners, and artists. I asked anyone who wanted to talk to me a simple question: What do you want to say?

Some people didn’t want to talk. Others did. Some of the most painful stories were too raw for people to want to share them publicly.

There was a mix of celebration, anger, and tension. It felt like the evening protests would be large. It felt like the city would burn again, and it did.

People are crying out to be heard.

Listen.

I saw soul-crushing weariness in my brothers and sisters on the street, a heavy burden that has been carried for days and years and decades of calling out and not being heard.

What do you want to say?

I see you.

I hear you.

And you matter.

You are not alone.

All photographs used by permission from John Noltner.