BLM Protests
Walking through downtown Richmond during these times of tumult and change reveals neighborhoods devastated with damage and destruction. Conversely, neighbors and visitors alike emanate with a feeling of comradery, togetherness, and working toward a new greater good. Messages of angst and love paint plywood boards covering windows of local businesses. Cries of protection on store owner signs radiate like heat that rises from the summer sidewalk. The statues are covered in graffiti, decrying the ill treatment of black and African American brethren which has gone on far too long. Together, people of all backgrounds surround the Robert E. Lee Memorial statue, listening to inspirational speeches, chanting words like “truth” and “black lives matter” loudly in unison. Participants sit with signs facing out, preaching their truths to anyone who may walk or drive around the traffic circle. Slowly, the crowd grows and fills the silence with their needs, desires, and pains. Together, we can build a better world. Together, we can grow to be better people.
Let the rain,
Let the rain fall down around me.
Won’t you wash,
Won’t you wash your hands to touch me?
Won’t you be,
Won’t you be the one to save me?
Let the sun,
Let the sun come out and warm me.
Can I sit,
Won’t you sit with me and teach me?
Won’t you be,
Won’t you be the one to save me?
Oh my hands are tied,
And it’s dark so I can’t see,
But you know these four walls,
Can’t contain me.
The river keeps rising,
To wash me away.
But with you,
But with you,
It’ll be okay.
Poem/Lyrics written by Elle Christine
Elle Christine Travels 