Republican National Convention 2016
In 2016 the RNC came to my hometown of Cleveland, and I just had to be there to document. The tumultuous campaign season and general atmosphere of a divided and angry country left me fearful, along with the majority of Cleveland and perhaps the nation, that the convention could turn violent. With a history of violence at Trump rallies, and the ever more heated battle of the election cycle it seemed too easy for a spark to ignite in Cleveland.
Experiencing a convention in my hometown was fascinating. I loved seeing people being able to voice their opinions and grievances, and it seemed that protesters hailed from all parts of the political spectrum. There were Trump supporters, gun supporters, women's rights groups, Muslim activists, anarchists, anti-Trump protesters, anti-police brutality protesters, pro-capitalist supports, even satirical protesters with signs like "God Hates Signs." There were people from all walks of life, and they all converged on Public Square.
Also with a hugely significant presence were law enforcement and news outlets. Of all the people out in downtown Cleveland, about a third were protesters and the general public, with the last two thirds split between media and law enforcement.
Overall, while there was a lot of anger from all different sides, more than anything else there seemed to be more calls for dialogue, love, understanding and acceptance. While there were a lot of protests, there was also a lot of great humanity. People playing ping pong outside on Public Square. A man making bubbles which turned adults into smiling wide-eyed children-at-heart. A band playing on the side of the street. A woman hugging police officers. A dance troupe which performed on the grass with huge bird puppets flying in the wind.
I came away from the week feeling surprisingly positive. I had seen our first amendment rights in action, and it had been peaceful. I felt proud of Cleveland and all the people who protested, especially for those who took a stand for love.
Experiencing a convention in my hometown was fascinating. I loved seeing people being able to voice their opinions and grievances, and it seemed that protesters hailed from all parts of the political spectrum. There were Trump supporters, gun supporters, women's rights groups, Muslim activists, anarchists, anti-Trump protesters, anti-police brutality protesters, pro-capitalist supports, even satirical protesters with signs like "God Hates Signs." There were people from all walks of life, and they all converged on Public Square.
Also with a hugely significant presence were law enforcement and news outlets. Of all the people out in downtown Cleveland, about a third were protesters and the general public, with the last two thirds split between media and law enforcement.
Overall, while there was a lot of anger from all different sides, more than anything else there seemed to be more calls for dialogue, love, understanding and acceptance. While there were a lot of protests, there was also a lot of great humanity. People playing ping pong outside on Public Square. A man making bubbles which turned adults into smiling wide-eyed children-at-heart. A band playing on the side of the street. A woman hugging police officers. A dance troupe which performed on the grass with huge bird puppets flying in the wind.
I came away from the week feeling surprisingly positive. I had seen our first amendment rights in action, and it had been peaceful. I felt proud of Cleveland and all the people who protested, especially for those who took a stand for love.
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