I called my daughter, Romi, on a Saturday morning and said "there is a Black Lives Matter march from Dupont circle to the White House tomorrow". Before I could get the words "do you want to join them" out, she said YES! No hesitation. 

I'm proud of her and all of the young women and men for joining these peaceful demonstrations. Even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, this cause supersedes their own well being. 

The march from Dupont Circle to the White House was magnificent. I'd never been involved in anything to this magnitude. Passionate protestors chanted Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe. 

The crowd laid on the street for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd. It was a remarkable scene. Whispers of I Can't Breathe quietly echoed down the street.

I wasn't able to capture the length of people covering the street, but you can imagine, this demonstration was significant and meaningful. I will never forget this moment. 

I am fortunate to have shared this historic event with my daughter. We want to thank the black community and demonstrators all over the world for educating us and allowing us to be involved in this historic movement. 

I know there is confusion regarding recent protests. Many people are speaking out about safety and the affect these gatherings will have on the Covid-19 count. I understand your concern, but am frustrated that you are complaining about our involvement. 

Most people at this demonstration were wearing a mask. I know it doesn't look like we're social distancing, but the crowd was slightly dispersed as we walked. Everyone was aware and respectful of each others space.

This past week, protests in Washington, DC have been peaceful. This is a worthy cause and you don't have to participate, but please try to understand and respect us for joining. 

These are photos from the protests in front of the White House and St. John's church on Friday, June 5th. These peaceful demonstrations set the tone for the following weekend..

People from all over have come together to demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality. Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe are the prominent phrases being chanted throughout the city. 

The St. John's church is located across from the White House and has become a significant background for protesters in Washington, DC.

This location was chaos less than a week ago - it was a terrifying demonstration. BUT, today protestors have filled the area and are peacefully expressing themselves. 

It's wonderful to see parents and their children joining the peaceful demonstrations. It is important that we educate our children - they are the future. 

A vast majority of the people gathered in Washington, DC are young women and men. Their conviction and energy is astonishing. Young folks all around the world are marching the streets, speaking up and demanding change. 

Donations are gathered for every demonstration and handed out to protestors marching the streets of DC. At the final destination, the White House, there is water and snacks being offered to everyone. The food and beverage aspect is organized and incredibly thoughtful, not only those who donate, but the volunteers serving the community. Thank you.

You can also purchase Black Lives Matter and I Can't Breathe merchandise in front of St. John's church. As I mentioned in my last post regarding the DC protests, I purchased a t-shirt and protective face mask. These items are very important to me and will remind me that I was a part of this remarkable movement.

There is a bright yellow Black Lives Matter mural painted along 16th street, courtesy of Mayor Bowser. It was painted on Friday morning, Breonna Taylor's 27th birthday. Thank you Mayor Bowser. I'm not the only DC resident that is impressed with how you've handled these past few weeks. 

It started out as a horrific attack on the city by criminals masquerading as protestors, but the vibe has changed dramatically. This past week, the peaceful demonstrators have shut down the rebels.

There are multiple organized demonstrations everyday of the week in DC. Folks are peacefully reminding us that we need to educate ourselves, speak up and demand change. It is absolutely amazing to see our young generation work tirelessly to challenge the system.

The police presence in Washington, DC has also changed dramatically. Just last weekend, it seemed like there were more police and National Guard that protestors. Now, they have taken to the side streets. There are no longer police behind the White House fence and in my opinion, you can barely feel their presence.  

Albeit, the helicopters haven't stopped circling over the city. I've had many sleepless nights - initially due to the looting and thereafter due to the constant whirring of helicopters. I understand the need, but can't wait for it to end.

These are scenes from the protesting in DC on Tuesday afternoon, June 2nd. Unlike the previous nights, on this day, the protests were fairly calm. So, my husband ventured out to take photos and videos of the peaceful gatherings, destruction from the past weekend and the overall state of Washington, DC.

Old folks, young women, men and even children participated in peaceful protests all over the United States this past week. Since protests in the U.S. began, people living in countries across the globe have joined the cause and are protesting with us. It is truly a magnificent gathering and shows that most of us are united. 

It is unbelievable to witness so many people (especially young people) stand up for what they believe in. People of all colors have joined together to protest the murder of George Floyd. To demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality to exist in our country and all over the world.

This is the newly installed fence that separated protestors from the authorities protecting the White House. I think this fence was a positive addition to the police tactic. It allowed space between the opposing sides and reduced provocation from either side. A much needed space to benefit the protestors.

It was surprising to see custom merchandise being sold a few days after the protests began. I was more than happy to purchase a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and I Can't Breath protective face mask. These are probably the most important items in my closet. They will remind me that I lived during this time, I was there to witness the mass protesting that changed the future.

I know we haven't seen great change yet, but I know this movement will not be ignored or forgotten anytime soon. In a country that is so divided racially, it is remarkable to see all of us come together in the fight against racism and police brutality. 

I gotta say - there are some brave reporters in DC. I watched live feeds of the protesting every night until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I want to thank those reporters for educating me and allowing me to stay informed from the comfort of my own home. 

I'm an opinionated person, but I'm not one to protest on the front line. Albeit, I have found other ways to support this cause - Posting photos and speaking up on my blog is just one of them. Using social media to spread the word and donations to organizations and bailout funds are other ways to contribute.

The Criminals masquerading as protestors were selfishly destroying our city and certainly not supporting the Black Lives Matter cause. They vandalized buildings, monuments, shattered store fronts and looted. This small group caused chaos this past weekend. 

The same is happening all over the United States. These rebels are smothering the amazing cause so many peaceful protesters are working endlessly for. I myself was terrified that the rioters would reach my community - just a short walk from the White House. 

It is truly shocking to walk around this beautiful city and see the first floor of buildings boarded up. Thank you to the women and men who worked overtime repairing store fronts and boarding up businesses. You have been instrumental in our fight against vandalism and looting during the protests in Washington, DC. 

Black Lives Matter flags hang outside businesses and residential. This is another way you can contribute to the cause. Show your support any way you can. No gesture is too small and every opinion counts.

My favorite photo - this young girl is sitting alone at the end of my street, protesting Black Lives Matter. Her sole protest brings tears to my eyes. I hope one day she sees this post and knows that this single moment changed lives of the people who were fortunate to walk by. Thank you.

This blog post is a gesture to show that I support this cause. I'm with you in this fight for equality. Our voices have been heard, but we cannot relax until there is significant change. Let's keep marching forward..