Black Lives Matter Stories – Part one: Willmar, Minnesota

I photographed this series during the Black Lives Matter protests in Minneapolis. While the protests were centered in the Twin Cities, this individual session took place in Willmar, Minnesota—a smaller town but just as powerful voice. The entire shoot was centered around Juven, a passionate individual and photographer who came to me with strong ideas for how he wanted to express himself. While I provided direction when needed, most of this session was purely his vision—I loved collaborating in a way that truly showcased his creativity and emotion.

This Black Lives Matter photo session was part of a broader photo series I created to celebrate Black lives—the joy, the pain, the strength, the vulnerability, and the unrelenting fight for justice and equality. Each person I worked with was encouraged to express themselves however they felt called to—in their own words, in their own style, in their own voice. Whether it was through poetry, a journal entry, a song, or simply raw thoughts in the moment, this space was created to allow those involved to feel seen and heard without judgment. For Juven, that voice came through clearly—through both his powerful presence in front of the camera and the emotional story he chose to share.

The session took place in three different locations around Willmar: downtown for bold, badass empowered street portraits; in a family member’s backyard for more intimate, symbolic imagery; and indoors where deeper emotions could surface in private. One particularly striking image was of Juven looking into a mirror, then sitting in a bathtub full of water—metaphors for drowning in expectations, identity, and inner conflict. Another standout concept was him painting half of his face white with paint—a visual nod to the pressure to “fit in” or be accepted in a society that often fails to embrace Black identity in its fullness.

Here is Juven’s story:

I came from an orphanage in Haiti where, as a young boy, I was happier than I could be. I was the oldest and always looked after the other children. Even though I was only 3–5 years old, I made sure they had the correct medicine, enough to eat, and clean diapers.

One day, I was adopted by a white family—one of the best days of my life. Then I got sent to a white school, where I couldn’t figure out why no one liked me. I was kind, inclusive, and cared about others, but it was like… Some days I existed, and other days, people looked at me like, 'Why are you here?'

I spent many lunches alone. Studied alone. I played alone. And the only difference I could see was my skin color. But I told myself that couldn’t be it… could it? Does skin color really matter that much? Do I have to paint myself white to belong?

I kept smiling on the outside while slowly tearing myself apart inside—trying to be good enough, but always feeling like I came up short. I’ve accepted that maybe I won’t ever be 'good enough' for the world… but I’ve found peace in knowing that I am made in God’s image.

My mind races. Am I working hard enough? Did I smile enough? Did I make everyone happy? Did I disappoint God? I drown in my own thoughts.

They say nice guys finish last. That they get stepped on and forgotten. But I refuse to change who I am. I treat women with respect—not because I want anything in return—but because that’s what they deserve.

I am a king, and I need no less than a queen. Watch me—see if I finish last.

A Reminder to Keep Fighting: Black Live Matter

This photo series was born out of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement during the protests in Minneapolis, but the emotional impact reached far beyond city lines. Juven’s session, photographed in Willmar, Minnesota, is a powerful reminder of the personal stories behind the movement—stories of identity, struggle, and resilience.

Through these images and words, I hope to spark reflection, empathy, and conversation. This project isn’t just about protest—it's about humanity. It’s about honoring Black voices, holding space for honest expression, and using photography as a way to say, “We see you. We hear you. You matter.”

This is more than a portrait series. It’s a call for change, understanding, and justice. And it’s just the beginning.