I walked 2.23 miles in honor of Ahmaud Arbery. I photographed what I saw during the walk and the images are dedicated to Ahmaud.
Happy birthday Ahmaud, you and your family are in my thoughts.
We demand justice for Ahmaud.
America! Stop killing young black people.
The streets are deserted on this warm and sunny afternoon as I started my walk. It was silent and peaceful, probably like most of the roads that Ahmaud Arbery jogged by the afternoon that he was murdered.
For many young African Americans, running through a seemingly harmless neighborhood could be dangerous. This is America, a land that isn’t always safe for minorities, especially African Americans.
Ahmaud would have turned 26 today.
Too young to die.
A young man deprived of falling in love, finding the love of his life and marrying her.
Deprived of being a father and raising a family.
I thought about the number of children that he and his wife would have, and how their children would make an impact in the world.
His daughter would have loved flowers and its bright colors.
Flowers such as these would make her happy.
The bright colors inspired her to be an artist. She could have been a tremendous painter and exhibited her work at museums such as the Hirshhorn or The Broad.
Or she could have been a doctor who would discover a cure for a deadly disease.
The Arbery’s would have another child and their son loved to play with toy trucks.
But his favorite toy was his red fire truck and it would inspire him to become a fire fighter.
Their son also made the world a better place.
He never thought of himself when entering a burning house.
He was never afraid because all he could think about is saving the person in the burning home or building.
The children obviously wanted a pet. One wanted a dog while the other a cat. So which one? It would be a tough decision for the family.
Back to reality: Saddened that Ahmaud would never get to stop by here again for a quick bite.
Even sadder that he would never get to take his children here. I could see them laughing as they snacked on Chicken McNuggets, large fries, and a hot-fudge sundae.
Ahmaud loved seeing his children smile.
America! Please stop killing young black people.
Life will never be the same for Ahmaud’s family and friends.
Ahmaud enjoyed a cold brew and made his friends laugh during Happy Hour.
Ahmaud loved dinners with his family.
Ahmaud loved watching football with his boys at a sports bar.
Movie night with his friends.
Movie date night with the potential love of his life.
Movie afternoon watching Disney films with his kids.
There would have been many nights of staying home to watch movies.
Family time is what made Ahmaud the happiest.
Another young life extinguished.
How many more deaths, America?
How many more black families will mourn the loss of their loved one?
How many more black mothers and fathers will bury their child?
To the Arbery family, I am so sorry for your loss. I want to give each of you a hug. I cannot imagine the pain that you are suffering.
To Ahmaud, you have been in my thoughts for days.
I am sorry that your life was cut short.
It pains me to think of the many wonderful chapters of your life that will never be written.
I do believe that you are in a better place now. In a place away from much hatred.
I hope to see you there sometime.