Photos by Joanie Juster–
Wednesday, June 3, will long be remembered by the thousands who took to the streets in Bay Area cities to protest police brutality, to honor George Floyd and other victims of injustice, and to support Black Lives Matter. Protests, rallies, and related events also took place on and around this time in every U.S. state and in numerous countries worldwide. Many are yet to come.
Here in San Francisco, a student-led protest was kicked off by Aztec dancers outside Mission High School. The large crowd spilled over into Dolores Park and surrounding streets. Protesters proceeded in multiple directions, with a large number heading on 18th for a right turn on Castro Street and then across Market. Others moved directly toward SF City Hall.
Another group proceeded from Dolores Park to the Mission Police Station at Valencia and 17th, where they were met by officers outside the building. Some of the officers “took a knee,” signaling solidarity with protestors and the movement strengthened by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The gesture also recalled the horrific manner in which Floyd died.
Other protestors marched to the Hall of Justice where a large group gathered and a flag was burned. Many there held up their cellphone lights in silence outside the heavily guarded building. Primarily peaceful, the protests continued through the evening with some extending their time in the streets well beyond when the City’s 8 pm curfew went into effect. Protests in the Bay Area of varying sizes also took place in Oakland, San Jose, Richmond, San Mateo, and more.
Published on June 11, 2020
The “Ready to Listen Rally” for Black Lives Matter on Friday, June 5, drew not only thousands to the Castro, but also many more on bicycles from Critical Mass. As Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said, “So many thanks to Cee Freedman and Tommy Trujillo for organizing an amazing march, speak out, and dance party to honor George Floyd and other victims of police violence and to celebrate the strength of our queer POC community.”
Many who could not attend, and especially those from out of the area and/or at high risk for COVID-19, watched via Cam #4 of the Castro Street Cam, which captured much of the remarkable, peaceful rally that began at City Hall at 4:30 pm before participants made their way to the Castro. The programming at Jane Warner Plaza, with drag artist Afrika America as emcee, featured a lineup of invited speakers and entertainers.
Castro Street Cam: http://sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam/
Photos courtesy of Juan R. Davila With San Francisco’s COVID-19 regulations still in effect, AGUILAS members Angel, Hugo, Miguel, and Juan were ready for an opportunity to get out of town for some fresh air and exercise. After flipping a coin, they set their sights on a “first time” visit to see Lake Tahoe.
Following an early morning meet-up point in the Castro, the three- and 1/2-hour journey began with crossing the Bay Bridge and on to Highway 50, passing through Sacramento and Placerville. Arriving midmorning, the group took a tour around the Lake that included stops to enjoy vista
points and frolicking in water and snow. Among their selected sites were Old Brockway Golf Course, Dollar Point, the Truckee River dam and
spillway, Eagle Falls, and Emerald Bay State Park. AGUILAS is the nonprofit service organization for Latino gay men, offering social networking
opportunities and free HIV testing. http://www.aguilas.org
Published on June 11, 2020
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