For James Austen, a 27-year-old filmmaker based in Los Angeles, 2020 was a year that transformed silence into action. Growing up as a Black American, Austen was no stranger to stories of injustice. When he first heard about George Floyd’s death, he admits he wasn’t surprised. “Black men being killed by police is somewhat normal in this country,” he reflected.
What did surprise him, however, was the overwhelming public response. People across the nation took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, demanding justice and protesting systemic racism. Despite the surge of activism, Austen initially hesitated to join the protests. Concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty about what his participation would mean held him back.
That changed when a close friend asked for a special birthday gift: for Austen to stand with him at a protest. Inspired and moved by this request, Austen decided it was time to make his voice heard. “I realized that staying silent wasn’t an option anymore,” he said.
Attending his first protest at city hall, Austen found the experience both empowering and eye-opening. Surrounded by thousands of people united for a common cause, he felt a sense of community and purpose. “It was incredible to see so many people coming together to demand change,” he shared. “It gave me hope that our voices can make a difference.”
Austen’s journey from observer to participant reflects a broader awakening among many who, like him, chose to step out of their comfort zones in 2020. His story is a reminder of the power of individual action in the collective pursuit of justice and equality.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
