ANTI POLICE BRUTALITY BANNER

The themes of Wednesday's protests (8/16/2000), were the issues of Police Brutality, the Death Penalty, Political Prisoners, and mass incarceration. At the Staples Center, some 4,000 people faced off with the LAPD Riot Squad. The LAPD were heavily armed with 12 Gauge Shotguns, Tear Gas guns, and Rubber Bullet guns. The were deployed in overwhelming and intimidating force. I took this photograph of a banner that was painted and carried through the streets by a Philippine Artist's collective called "PEOPLE'S ARTISTS." The multi-racial nature of the protests in L.A. was readily apparent, with great numbers of Latino, Asian, African American and other peoples of color taking part. For more photographs and artworks dedicated to social justice, please visit the ART FOR A CHANGE Web site!