Description
If New York was the epicenter of the pandemic, Georgia has been ground zero for many of our nation’s most pressing political and social divides. The events and individuals depicted in this artwork reflect the tumultuous period of 2020–2021, a time marked by profound challenges and transformations.
From the tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery by armed vigilantes to the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Georgia has been a focal point for addressing racial injustice and systemic violence. Stacy Abrams’ monumental efforts in mobilizing voters played a pivotal role in reshaping the political landscape, securing key victories in the presidential election and the historic Senate wins of Raphael G. Warnock and Jon Ossoff.
The state also bore witness to the devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight people, six of whom were Asian women, highlighting the intersection of racial and gender-based violence. Meanwhile, Georgia has become a battleground for voting rights, with ongoing efforts to suppress the vote threatening the democratic gains achieved in this critical year.
This period of twists and turns echoes the upheaval and progress of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, positioning Georgia once again at the heart of the fight for justice and equality.