I and members of my family have attended peaceful protests in Naperville over the death of George Floyd and the need for significant change to the law enforcement system. 

My sibling, Sarah, spent the majority of the time as a photographer documenting everything around. I carried a sign reading, “We need system-wide reform, Black Lives Matter.” 

The protests we attended each included a couple hundred people of color with masks and signs. Many bore phrases like “Black Lives Matter,” “A.C.A.B,” “Justice for George Floyd,” “White Silence is Violence” and “No Justice, No Peace.” Similar chants echoed from the leaders in the front through the entire crowd. 

There were signs expressing support for the Black community from the Latinx community, the Asian community, the Queer community and a number of others. Protestors marched and knelt.The protests we attended included powerful speeches from members of the NAACP, members of the community of all ages, and local government officials like Mayor Steve Chirico and Councilman Benjamin White. 

In these speeches, the individuals described their own experiences with racism either at the hands of the police or in situations such as the incident at a local Buffalo Wild Wings in 2019. They described their personal pain and the pain they’ve seen and felt within their community.

The majority of the protestors involved were wearing masks and trying to keep distance. Some also had gloves, and some brought water and other necessary supplies for anyone who forgot. One of the Naperville protests did lead to vandalism and looting, although we were not present at the time that happened.  

Volunteers the following day worked to help the businesses and people affected. Speakers encouraged protesting and other methods of advocacy such as voting, writing to representatives, and participating in local issues. 

In this pandemic, it is understandable that a large gathering causes some anxiety, but safety measures are being heeded and it is not the place of outsiders to tell marginalised people how to protest for their rights. 

There are a variety of ways for people to use their voices and express their opinions. Protesting is one, as are less public methods such as voting, speaking and reaching out to representatives, donating to organizations that work towards their goals and speaking up in everyday situations. 

I recognise that I, personally, am not a member of this community or a speaker on the issue. I am, however, an eyewitness to the professionalism, compassion and completely righteous frustration from the members of the Black community in Naperville’s protests.