#BLM | Dothan, Alabama | May 31, 2020 [gallery]

Dothan, Alabama showed up to the Houston County Courthouse to protest injustice and support the movement of Black Live Matter. The George Floyd murder has woken this nation in a way that I have not seen yet in my lifetime. When I heard of this protest, I couldn’t miss out on this historical moment.

When I arrived at the courthouse block to scope out where I needed to part, the entire courthouse block and some space across the streets were filled! Filled with people shouting the names of victims, black lives matter, no justice - no peace, and more chants and cries.

Once I was able to find a parking spot, I walked a block and my spirit was filled with empathy, anger, love, pride, and other emotions as I snapped each photo and took in the experience of Dothan uniting for a great cause.

One of the moments that stood out to me was a black man on a megaphone pleading for people to believe what they were chanting. I agree. We can’t just scroll through social media, make posts, and even go out to a protest…we have to believe.

Just a few minutes into arriving at the protest I saw my friend, Orran Scruggs. Soon after Brian Carroll and Mike Morris. Three guys that have recently been there for me in my life. I was happy to see them there.

I was also happy to see that this was a peaceful protest, the police were invited, and the organizers encouraged positivity. They called out negative moments and said not to follow that direction. We all were united in the effort to speak out hurt, frustration, and emotions but never turned into hate speech. Violence was not encouraged either.

Voting and helping with the polls was an important message that was expressed as well.

Signs expressed many messages of support.

There was one that read, “fuck the police.” I don’t agree with the generalization of that remark to the police. Yes, there needs to be law enforcement reform. Yes, the bad cops need to be dealt with. But no, we still need the police, but we need them to serve and protect. Big thanks to the police that do serve and protect. Thanks to our local law enforcement for supporting this peaceful protest.

This was a tremendous moment to be part of. I am grateful and proud of Dothan to come out and show their support. There were many people from all walks of life. My friend and I both said there might have been more white folks there than black folks. That speaks volumes.

To my black brothers and sisters, I love you, I support you, and I want better for you. I want a better America.

We knelt down on one knee for nine minutes to close out the protest. I was in tears and my heart hurt for George Floyd. Kneeling has a new meaning for me. #ICANTBREATHE…

- Josh

P.S. I have a video to come out soon about this event. Stay tuned.