We stand in solidarity with George Floyd and the Black community. Silence is violence and our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
As photographers, we hope we can use this platform to stand against social injustice by amplifying the voices of BME who deserve to be seen and heard more than ever.
First Place
Justice Now by Johara Meyer
This image was taken at a protest in Berlin following George Floyd's death. His death has sparked protests around the world calling for police accountability and an end to police brutality. Black Lives Matter and many other anti-racist organisations have been fighting racism in its various forms for years and it is finally being brought to the forefront of mainstream attention. It is crucial that this momentum is upheld.
Second Place
Chi Onwurah by Jatin Naru
'Chi Onwurah MP was the first black MP elected in Newcastle upon Tyne and has made an enormous contribution as part of her career to the movement for a more diverse parliament. The significance of the subject is not just on an individual level. She represents the numerous bodies of people, in the UK trying to ensure that there is a fair and diverse representation in government to make sure that the voices of everyone, despite their backgrounds, are heard.'
Third Place
Mandela by Jenna Shah
Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King (along with many other influential people involved in the Civil Rights Movement) fought for civil rights and racial equality at the same time in different countries, never meeting but sharing a common goal.
The protests we saw in US states and across the world follow their examples and the solidarity is heart-warming. There is still much more change which can be achieved, gaining inspiration and strength from those before us.