Stephanie Alvarez Ewens

So thankful to Mark Patinkin for writing about my project #SeeOurFrontliners and Virginia Carrasco, a 71 year old housekeeper at a nursing home in today's Providence Journal (front page!). When I started #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project, I wanted to make sure folks who are often overlooked were represented. Virginia's story deserves to be told. Thank you also to Kelli Price who not only was the very first person I photographed for the project, but she was the one who introduced me to Virginia, her mother-in-law. Another amazing soul. Feel free to share this post. If you're enjoying seeing these stories, and would like to help fund the project, you can make a tax deductible donation through AS220 and under Global Fellows in here: https://act.myngp.com/Forms/-8406931172607652352⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone who is and you think they should have their story highlighted, please visit the link in my bio. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ You can also find information there on how to start your own #SeeOurFrontliners project in your own community. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCi1VCInXJY/?igshid=8mqixha3kq40

"I caught Covid at the end of March, most likely at work. I was one of the lucky ones. For me, the illness was no worse than a bad flu. When I returned to work after quarantine, my ICU transitioned into a Covid unit.⁣ ⁣ I don't think I realized how deconditioned I was until I started working in that PPE. The shifts were 12-13 hrs with very few breaks. We were short of breath inside the masks, sweating in the gowns and visors, fighting exhaustion and low blood sugar. It was much more stressful than our normal ICU work. I found it hard to let go of that stress when I got home.⁣ ⁣ For the first time in my life, I was having panic attacks. I became so depressed I could barely talk to my kids. I started drinking more on my nights off to cope. By the end of the second month I could no longer function, and knew it was time to get help. I realized that I wouldn't be able to take care of anyone else until I took care of myself. ⁣ ⁣ I ended up taking a mental health leave. I stopped drinking completely and began therapy. It took some time, but I eventually started to get better. I had support from family and friends, as well as a good doctor and therapist. ⁣ ⁣ Covid cases have declined in our state, and our unit is no longer a Covid ICU. I'm hoping this experience will make me a better nurse going forward, and I'll feel ready to fight again if we see a second wave." Niki Anthony, RN ⁣ ⁣ Thank you Niki for being open to sharing your story. I wish you health and peace moving forward. ⁣ ⁣ #thankyoufrontliners #thankyouessentialworkers #covid19 #pandemicstories #supportfrontlineworkers #supportessentialworkers #thankyouessentialworkers #visualstorytelling #portraitsinspire #portraitmasters #riarts #essentailworkersri #portraitsoffrontliners #stephanieewensphotography #portraitphotographer #doucumentaryportraitproject #seeourfrontliners #seeourfrontlinersri ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ (at Cranston, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCVyf7enB31/?igshid=1mfhkiitpsg7l

Please meet Sarah and Jeff Gaines, both @brown_emergency medicine providers. ⁣ ⁣ "We are married emergency physicians, well into the practice of medicine. Yet everything feels like new right as we adjust to the world we now live in." ⁣ ⁣ Sarah: "I am an emergency medicine attending physician. For over twenty-five years, from my days as an EMT on an ambulance in NJ and NY, to practicing as a physician at numerous trauma centers, I have taken care of patients in emergent situations for greater than half my life. Now, I take care of people during COVID- truly it is something I could never have imagined. It's easier these days, over two months in. Fear still exists but it is managed. The people I work with are truly incredible and their dedication is inspiring. My friends have been my rock -their support means the world to me. And my daughters, they are the reason I do any of this."⁣ ⁣ Jeff: "I am the Chief Medical Officer at a Rhode Island hospital, a role I have been in for about a year, after practicing emergency medicine for two decades. Running a community hospital with the rest of the leadership team is an incredible opportunity that I value greatly- learning how to do it during a pandemic is a whole new ball game. We have incredible support from our community and I am thankful everyday for the generosity and kindness shown towards our hospital and staff."⁣ ⁣ Thank you Sarah and a Jeff for being a part of #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project. ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CCMJZq3nS_W/?igshid=ngtvd73bjqm8

Meet Allison Hayward, MD, our next @brown_emergency provider being highlighted as part of #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project. She shares her experience of the pandemic below. ⁣ ⁣ "I work nights in the emergency department, and that means my subspecialty is psychiatric crisis. I face the fears that stave off sleep, or that prompt waking in the dark, beaded with sweat and heart pounding. The fact that I have very little natural tendency towards anxiety has always been an asset to me, gaining even more value as I've navigated into a career consisting of long and busy nights in the emergency department. ⁣ ⁣ Spending nights being buffeted by waves of anxiety and sadness from my patients has always left me emotionally tired, but I have usually been able to let them wash over me and walk away, letting calm, happiness, and stillness return to my mind as I gain distance from the hospital. In 2020, I find traces of the fear and sadness I experience with my patients are following me home. Instead of the usual dreams I've had since childhood, closing my eyes takes me back to the COVID ward, back behind my layers of masks and I wake feeling as if I've worked instead of slept. I am thankful for my supportive family and friends who keep me feeling loved and grounded, whether we are near or far. They help give me the energy to keep putting on my mask night after night, trying to soothe the anxieties and terrors of a pandemic."⁣ ⁣ Thank you Allison for participating in the project. ⁣ ⁣ For anyone interested in being photographed and part of the project, please follow the link in my bio. ⁣ ⁣ #brown_emergency @brown_emergency⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #thankyouessentialworkers #thankyoufrontliners #supportfrontlineworkers #supportessentialworkers #thankyouessentialworkers #visualstorytelling #portraitsinspire #portraitmasters #coviddays #riarts #401love #visitrhodeisland #essentailworkersri #portraitsoffrontliners #stephanieewensphotography #portraitphotographer #doucumentaryportraitproject #seeourfrontliners #seeourfrontlinersri ⁣⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEjrUtnhul/?igshid=13fi96ump8d4e

Excited to announce that I'm now offering high school senior portrait shoots.⁣ ⁣ Meet @avagw , who just graduated high school and will be headed to Skidmore College to study Art History in the fall. ⁣ Congratulations on all your hard work Ava. I am psyched for you! ⁣ ⁣ I've known Ava for years so it was awesome to photograph her last week during this transitional time in her life. ⁣ If you would like to learn more about senior photography shoots, please get in touch. ⁣ ⁣ #senior #seniorpictures #seniorportraits #seniorpics #classof2020 #graduate #rhodeisland #portraitphotographer #professionalphotographer #thephotographyexpereince (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCKsU4HSNZ/?igshid=4zlqbmncyzxi

I'm so thrilled to be back in the studio and happy to share these images of Danielle Hamm. ⁣ ⁣ Danielle has recently become a realtor. At her consult, we discussed the types of images she wanted. Words that came up were "friendly, outgoing, approachable, confident, natural looking, light and bright". ⁣ ⁣ It's so helpful and fun to meet with my clients before their shoots as I get a sense of who they are and how they want to be seen. We go over everything including posing, clothing, styling. On the day of the shoot, they are prepared and feel ready. ⁣ ⁣ We had so much fun in the studio as Danielle is super easy going and so friendly. I'm sure she'll be an excellent realtor. She is also a food service professional and mixologist with over 16 years in the industry. She said she's ready to help you find your dream home and then mix up the drinks at your house warming party! Best of luck to you Danielle!⁣ ⁣ If you'd like to learn more about what it's like to experience your own custom photo shoot, contact me anytime. ⁣I’d love to help you with your imagery. ⁣ #portraitphotographer #personalbranding #professionalphotographer #studiophotographer #studio #rhodeisland #newengland #howdoyouwanttobeseen (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3W2tEnfn5/?igshid=1xj7azzoj0dom

⁣”Get back!” I shouted at my sons running down the sidewalk to greet me after my first shift with a patient positive for COVID-19. It was early March, and though I had suspected many other patients to have COVID-19, we did not yet have enough tests and were required to follow a strict testing algorithm. Having a patient who actually met criteria and tested positive was a reality check. My children stopped in their tracks. Two cried. When had they ever been told to “get back” from me? I had practiced safety at work but hadn’t yet figured out how to get into my house safely. With four children and an immuno-compromised husband at home, I panicked under the enormity of the possible effects of getting this wrong. ⁣ ⁣ Although I may be one of the faces treating COVID-19 patients, my family has been heroic in all of this. Front line families have had to adapt to a level of co-existence with COVID-19 that feels in line with our definition of “safe.” Some emergency medicine colleagues are living in separate rooms in their houses or have moved into separate apartments. A few have decided to take leave from work, and thus income, until they have more information on the risks and how to mitigate them. All of our families have adjusted to the uncertainties that come with a new virus. They have stood by ready to listen when we need to mourn the dead or dying. They have listened to us scream and rail at the chaos, inequities, and injustices that this disease has exposed within society and the healthcare system. They have respected silence when we cannot put words or voice to the troubles in our hearts. They have embraced chances to help us actively find joy at a time when tragedy and fear dominate. Front line families are the definition of resilience.⁣ ⁣ “This is what we do” was my awkward response the first time someone said, “Thank you for your service.” The sudden attention as a hero in a fight or a soldier in a war has been strange. COVID-19 has driven to the spotlight what we do as emergency physicians: care for someone on what arguably might be their worst day, no matter the circumstances. We have always been there, ready...(continued in the comments) (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBvghSKHTyj/?igshid=1sqlfrezm0wlb

Teachers are essential. ALWAYS. ⁣ ⁣ And during this pandemic, my husband and I looked for a ton of guidance from our own children's teachers on how to navigate parenting and on-line learning. ⁣ ⁣ I had the opportunity to meet and photograph Julie, who works at The Learning Community in Central Falls. ⁣ ⁣ "My name is Julie, my students call me, Ms. Veloz, and I am a first year teacher. ⁣ ⁣ Teaching to me is about ensuring each student has the opportunity to receive a quality education and in order to do that, I believe as their teacher, I need to build strong relationships with them. Each day we had our routine, I would greet my students with a hug or a high five, we would then sit down and have our morning meeting and check in with one another. We worked on building a classroom community during our time together in person. ⁣ ⁣ For the past 3 months, we have been doing Distance Learning because of COVID-19. Teaching virtually was really challenging. We all missed being in our classrooms and learning with each other. A challenge we faced was figuring out how to set up a consistent routine like how we had in person. During the first couple of weeks, my work schedule was from 8am to 9pm. I had some students who would wait for parents to get home to start their work and then text me at 6pm asking for help on the math assignment, I couldn’t turn away so I would work with them. It was hard to set boundaries because my job is to help my students and be there for them. They were asking for help and I was going to give it to them.⁣ ⁣ My main focus during this time was to continue to nurture relationships and be a safe place where my students can come together, learn, have fun and enjoy being together. I know that my students learned best when I was honest with them, listened to them and respected their voices. ⁣ ⁣ Even though we all miss each other and wish we were able to finish off the year together in person, my resilient students and I show up each and every day, still with a smile and continue to learn."⁣ ⁣ Thank you Julie. And to all teachers out there, THANK YOU. (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBnY6UXHX5T/?igshid=7ammayv3110

"I’ve been an RN for over 11 years now, always working as a labor & delivery nurse. Helping women through this crazy, amazing, and challenging time has always been what I wanted to do, ever since I was 9 years old and was able to be in the delivery room when my little sister was born. It’s an honor and a privilege to be with families when the newest member is brought into this world. This world that is so unsure and frightening right now.⁣ ⁣ The first night driving into work when the new restrictions and mandatory face masks were put in place I cried a little; all the uncertainty, new procedures, am I putting myself at risk, my family, my patients? How was my patient supposed to see my face as I comforted her through her epidural or as I encouraged her to push? But then the baby was born, took a big cry, was healthy and beautiful and I remembered, ‘This is what I do, this is what I’m meant to do. I help women bring their babies into the world. With that simple realization, I took a breath, felt instantly calmer and continued with my job. Because no matter what is happening in this crazy, scary world, babies still need to be born and mothers still need help to birth their babies.⁣ ⁣ The weeks have passed and we’ve settled into a new normal. I don't cry on my way into work anymore. I just try to keep breathing, deal with what comes along and if I’m lucky, a Foo Fighters song will be playing on the radio on the way home. ⁣ ⁣ “It’s times like these we learn to love again.⁣ It’s times like these we give and give again.”⁣ Times like These by Foo Fighters⁣ -Felicia Vinci, RN⁣ ⁣ Thank you Felicia for your story and for being a part of the #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone that is and you think should be highlighted in the project, please visit the link in my bio or go directly to my site https://www.stephanieewens.com/frontliners⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBlN6xnn0vB/?igshid=c2ji8j02wp2k

Meet Cailyne Ghazarian, PA-C, our next @brown_emergency provider being highlighted as part of #SeeOurFrontliners⁣ portrait project. ⁣ "I’ve worked in emergency medicine as a physician assistant for 8 years. I have learned so much during my years of practice, but nothing could have prepared me for what we are currently facing. One of the things I enjoy the most about my job is being able to bond with my patients and provide them some reassurance while they are with me in the emergency department. ⁣ ⁣ Now that we are amidst a pandemic, things have changed. I enter patient rooms donned in layers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and can feel the physical and emotional separation between us- they can no longer see my face… or my smile. It made me sad that these patients couldn’t see who was taking care of them. It must have felt like they were surrounded by a sea of PPE-clad strangers, unable to discern one provider from the next. ⁣ ⁣ I now wear a printed photo of myself on my lapel, so that patients can see me- really see me. I want them to know that as we face an uncertain road ahead, we are all in this together. Keep smiling."⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Cailyne A. Ghazarian, PA-C, MPAS⁣ Brown Emergency Medicine⁣ Assistant Coordinator, PA/NP Post-Graduate Residency in Emergency Medicine⁣ ⁣ Thank you Cailyne for being a part of the project and for finding ways to make your patients feel more comfortable. ⁣ ⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone that is and you think should have their story highlighted, please visit the link in my bio or go directly to my site https://www.stephanieewens.com/frontliners⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ You can also find information there on how to start your own #SeeOurFrontliners project in your own community. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you're enjoying seeing these stories, and would like to help fund the project, you can make a tax deductible donation through the link in my bio through AS220 and under Global Fellows in Courage.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #brown_emergency @brown_emergency⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #thankyouessentialworkers #supportfrontlineworkers (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBfzjaUnBnJ/?igshid=mr55d6nvtlxj

Meet Jackie Mancini, LMHC, Clinical Manager of Emergency Services at The Providence Center⁣ ⁣ "When the pandemic first began it was scary. It was scary for us as healthcare workers, scary for our consumers, and scary for our families. However, despite the chaos and uncertainty there was camaraderie, a sense of unified purpose and the hope that this shared trauma might unite people in a way we haven’t seen before. That hope has become harder and harder to hold on to as this has unfolded. ⁣ ⁣ Those of us working in behavioral healthcare have watched people become more isolated, more anxious and more disconnected from treatment. People with preexisting mental health, substance abuse issues, or propensities toward domestic violence have become the secondary crisis. ⁣ ⁣ As the financial stability and overall health of our community continues to decline we brace for more desperation, higher suicide rates; ultimately more loss.⁣ ⁣ We are still here, still committed to navigating the best path to health, still trying to hold on to hope."⁣ ⁣ Thank you Jackie for commitment to helping others, and for being a part of the #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project. ⁣ ⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone that is and would like participate in the project, please visit the link in my bio or go directly to my site https://www.stephanieewens.com/frontliners⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #thankyouessentialworkers #thankyoufrontliners #unsungheroes #supportfrontlineworkers #supportessentialworkers #thankyouessentialworkers #visualstorytelling #portraitsinspire #portraitmasters #coviddays #riarts #401love #visitrhodeisland #essentailworkersri #portraitsoffrontliners #stephanieewensphotography #portraitphotographer #doucumentaryportraitproject #seeourfrontliners #seeourfrontlinersri ⁣ ⁣ (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBdfijKHepT/?igshid=1g8u6v1ecfjr6

Meet Dr. Alexis Lawrence, our next @brown_emergency provider being highlighted and part of the #SeeOurFrontliners portrait project ⁣ "I spend a lot more time on the phone now, updating anxious families who aren’t able to visit. Over and over they ask “Is he OK? Will she be OK?” I want to⁣ give them good news, so I can hear them exhale on the other end of the line. ⁣ ⁣ Walking into a patient room I am ensconced in scrubs, goggles, gloves, surgical cap, yellow gown, N95, face⁣ shield. You can’t really see me, so I wear a photo with a permanent smile, hoping this puts you⁣ more at ease. ⁣ ⁣ There was a collective furor in the beginning, scrambling to get frontline⁣ providers appropriate PPE. Each time I suit up, it becomes clearer how protected I already was⁣ by my white skin, before I put anything else on. ⁣ ⁣ There are layers and layers of public health emergencies at my front door. ⁣ ⁣ COVID, the opioid epidemic, racism. ⁣ ⁣ I am in the hospital, ready to do better, ready to take care of you, ready to call your family, ready to hear them exhale."⁣ ⁣ Thank you Alexis. ⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone that is and would like participate in the project, please visit the link in my bio or go directly to my site https://www.stephanieewens.com/frontliners⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ You can also find information there on how to start your own #SeeOurFrontliners project in your own community. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you'd like to help fund the project, you can make a tax deductible donation through the link in my bio.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #brown_emergency @brown_emergency⁣⁣⁣⁣ #thankyouessentialworkers #thankyoufrontliners #unsungheroes #supportfrontlineworkers #supportessentialworkers #thankyouessentialworkers #visualstorytelling #portraitsinspire #portraitmasters #coviddays #riarts #401love #visitrhodeisland #essentailworkersri #portraitsoffrontliners #stephanieewensphotography #portraitphotographer #doucumentaryportraitproject #seeourfrontliners #seeourfrontlinersri ⁣#keeptheconversationonracismgoing (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSutguHkwF/?igshid=dffpqyva0qm

I can not describe the pride I felt last Friday for our city. Led by our youth, over 10K people came together to peacefully protest for Black Lives Matter. I recognize there is still so much work to do, but it gave me hope for our future. We must continue to show up in these numbers. We must continue the conversation. ⁣ (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQcd7knYS9/?igshid=2yes1sh7nc4q

I've teamed up with @iamlunayou, a maternal wellbeing program designed to give women reliable extra support throughout their pregnancy and after their baby is born. By putting each woman at the center of her pregnancy journey, LunaYou focuses on personal power, and creates the confidence needed for the woman to take charge of her pregnancy and have influence over her wellbeing, leading to better maternal health outcomes. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ "My name is Yolanda, I’m from Providence, RI - born and raised. I’m 44 years old and I am 36 weeks pregnant. Obviously, when you are pregnant it’s nice to have somebody to talk to, especially in my situation which is a little different. I’m older, and pregnant by myself, this is my eighth child, my oldest is 27 and I have a 10 year old at home. At first my older children didn’t really accept it, no one was excited about my pregnancy, I felt a lot of shame. I found the LunaYou program, and started having regular calls with my Wellbeing Coach. It's been good to talk to someone about my pregnancy who didn’t judge me, I no longer had to feel ashamed. I’m just me and I can live my life how I want to live it. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There’s a lot of stuff going on right now, but as a Black woman and a mother, I have a wealth of information to say to other Black mothers. One thing I know — whatever you have to go through, you're going to get through it, because you're strong, and you're strong for a reason, you are the mother of civilization. You’ve got a lot of weight on your shoulders, and when much is given, much is required."⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ From Luna You: "Empowering women is one of the key components of the program. Photography is a powerful reminder of who they really are, and a touch point to come back to again and again. We believe the arts are uniquely able to help capture and share the stories of the women participating in LunaYou. We believe that by sharing your story, you quickly realize that you are not alone in the way you feel. Stories build empathy, and allow us to truly get a glimpse of someone’s lived experience."⁣⁣ ⁣ Thank you Yolanda for sharing your story and your voice. ⁣⁣ . #iamlunayou #maternalhealth #womenempowerment #blackwomenmatter #pregnant (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBD8V-EHfvB/?igshid=8y2so6oq5wfr

Meet Dr. Stephanie Chow Garbern. ⁣ "As an emergency room doctor who works in many developing countries as well as here in Rhode Island, I have found that some of the world’s largest health disparities are right here in our own backyard. On a recent day in the COVID-19 “pod” of the ER, a colleague commented that only one of the ten patients there spoke English as a primary language; this virus has served to highlight some of the many persistent inequalities in our healthcare system and country.⁣ ⁣ While frustrating and terrifying, it has been humbling and a privilege to be a frontline healthcare worker at this time. As ER doctors, we will always care for you, no matter who you are, what you look like, or what you believe.⁣ ⁣ As one patient recently said to me, “I know this is not just a job for you, but a calling, and you chose to be here.” At my low points, which are not uncommon these days, I try to remind myself that in many ways this pandemic has brought out the best in humanity – friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses have donated homemade masks, scrub caps, respirators, food, and even offered their homes for me to stay after shifts. The community here in Rhode Island has really come together to protect and support each other, especially healthcare and other essential workers. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” ⁣ ⁣ -Stephanie Chow Garbern, MD, MPH, DTM&H⁣ Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine⁣ Research Coordinator, Division of Global Emergency Medicine⁣ Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University⁣ ⁣ Thank you Stephanie for all you are doing right now, and to all frontline and essential workers out there. ⁣ ⁣ If you are a frontline or essential worker, or know anyone that is and would like participate in the project, please visit the link in my bio or go directly to my site https://www.stephanieewens.com/frontliners⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ You can also find information there on how to start your own #SeeOurFrontliners project in your own community. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you'd like to fund the project, you can make a tax deductible donation (link in bio). ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #brown_emergency @brown_emergency (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5X41znWM0/?igshid=15bnt8d048pbx

I don't know where to begin, but I recognize I must not stay silent, that we as a community must do better, learn more, and recognize the constant racial injustices and speak up. ⁣ ⁣ Watching recent events has been heartbreaking, but we must recognize this is nothing new, that these horrible acts of injustice have been happening for a long time. ⁣ ⁣ Black and brown lives matter. We must take care of one another. We must do better. ⁣#blacklivesmatter #blackandbrownlivesmatter #wemustloveandsupporteachother https://www.instagram.com/p/CA25yNanrZC/?igshid=1llzkair8k6aa