Summer in the streets

There are a lot of stories coming from our national capital these days, stories about slashing money for health care while devoting more money and time to rounding up immigrants and targeting queer and trans Americans. But there are also stories right here in Northwest Arkansas, ones about people of all ages, colors and backgrounds standing up for the things that matter to them: helping the vulnerable, welcoming the newcomer, embracing the neighbor. 

I like those stories a lot better, and I’ve been out with my camera to document them. First was a rally for immigrants in Springdale on June 13 (above). The next day was No Kings Day in Fayetteville, a demonstration for democracy and freedom that was an appropriately rowdy combo of protest, Pride parade and the Fourth of July.

Speaking of Pride parades, one of those was up next on the last weekend of June. This show had it all: marches, performances, dancing, rainbows, community, joy, beauty. I’m grateful that NWA Equality hired me to handle their event photography all weekend long – 20-plus hours of work and totally worth it. 

And to top it all off, the Fourth of July itself: the anniversary and celebration of our country declaring it would no longer be subject to a tyrant who suppressed immigration, trade and dissent, who taxed Americans without hearing their concerns or respecting their rights, who tried to intimidate them into silence with coercion and violence. I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.