Local Photographer, Megan Trant, captures the Dublin BLM Protest

Reflections by Megan Trant following her participation in the peaceful protest held in Dublin yesterday:

We are living in a historical time. Yesterday, I walked with Dublin to document and support a peaceful protest. It began peacefully, and it ended peacefully. There were moments of prayer, stories and emotions that were shared, 8 minutes of silence for George Floyd, chanting, and walks of all life. It was one of the most moving moments I have experienced.

The mayor of Dublin marched, took a knee and showed his support to humanity and Black lives all over the country. Dublin PD escorted and showed up to protect the Peaceful Protestors. People showed up!

I have grown up knowing many members of Law Enforcement, and have many friends and some family, who are Police Officers. I love you, I respect you, and I know the good you are doing every time you walk out that door with your uniform on. Please understand that I know you matter. Let's take a stand against those who abuse their power. Is there really any room for bad apples to have a badge? Protect and serve means something to me. If you truly know me, then you believe me when I say this....I don't believe all cops are bad cops. I know they are not. I also cannot turn my head to the unjust in this world. I hope you can understand that.

However, yesterday I walked for my Black and Brown friends. My loved ones, some I call family. Many I call friends. And for every other Black and Brown person out there who has spent their lives oppressed in ways that I will never be able to relate to. Right now we need to understand that All lives wont matter until YOUR lives matter, too. Your lives matter to me. Your children's lives matter to me. And I want your children to share the same privilege I have when I go to the store, or go jogging, or sleep in my bed. Black Lives Matter. "I understand that I will never understand, however, I stand with you in solidarity."

I can use my privilege to be a voice for those who are not being heard. And I will teach my children to use their privilege to grow up and hopefully continue to be a voice for those not being heard. I will help them understand that being colorblind is also being blind to the reality in which we are witnessing. and I will use my skill as a photographer to capture moments like these so the world can see you, hear you and feel you.

I hear you.

Written by Megan Trant