I've seen that photo at least a dozen times without a photo credit to Cheney Orr, so I just wanted to thank you for not just including the credit but also a note about him as well.
Yeah, it wasn't until much later after that photo got released that I found a credit. I mean, the photo could have been taken by one of them. Interestingly, have not heard anything about the photo from the photographer.
I wondered about that too. Maybe it has something to do with contract work for Reuters?
I’ve also been thinking about the fact that the subject hasn’t spoken publicly (I don’t think) and whether that was her decision. It might be a smart one, given the negativity that could come with it.
Incredible article. I too will remember this image as the symbol of America’s 250th Anniversary. EVERY American should. History books in the future should use it also as a reminder of the division that evil monster in the WH sowed. I believe we’ll find our way back but it is going to take many years to undo.
Appreciate the read and the note, Brandie. I think I choose to believe that we will too, though some days it's hard to hold on to the hope. I don't think it ends when he goes away. The division and hate has always been there, it's just been emboldened to surface—but still masked.
The photo is striking and it will be one of the pictures that will be part of 2026 in review at the end of the year. As for your footnote on Gen X, I have no concise answer to the question. I thought our generation could see through the fake and fraudulent. Maybe our generation decided to say “whatever” and let the chips fall where they may. Perhaps a chunk of our generation has accumulated wealth and decided to cast their lot in with a grifter. Who knows. I’m quite angry at those who did cast their vote for this.,.they own it.
Just before reading, I was listening to this balming conversation between Prentis Hemphill and Kazu Haga. Towards the end, Kazu notes that fighting for community comes from a place of love. I feel like Mamdani has been reminding us what it feels to belong to a community, and in stoking that feeling of mutual attachment, allowing love to bloom again https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fierce-vulnerability-with-kazu-haga/id1519965068?i=1000774013655
Thanks for the podcast share. What NYC is doing is leading the way and showing the rest of the country what effective leadership looks like. That's why the Republicans and yes, even Democrats are scared. We've been duped all these years!
She has already been identified and targeted by the authorities to criminalize and discredit her while nobody is trying to identify the coward perps to expose their terror worthy behavior hiding behind their ‘CHRISTIAN’ masks who THEIR employers are, who THEIR family, neighbors and friends are, what churches THEY attend or expose any ‘other’ lapses in judgement THEY may have made in their lifetime. 🤢🤮
Great piece. I saw this picture on the 4th (and then video of them marching in DC) and it chilled me to the bone. We no longer live in an America where we can take our freedoms for granted and discrimination/racism is running rampant. I hope more people focus on mutual aid: now is not the time to simply like a social media post. More people are needed to volunteer their time to help in their communities. There's a long list of volunteering help that's needed in communities. Food banks, election workers (especially for the mid-terms in Nov!), donations (food/diapers), phone banking, knocking on doors for the elections, joining local LGBQT+ groups, helping with social media, writing letters to the editor. The list goes on and on. If we all do a small bit of volunteering to help, change will happen. It's hard, but you meet a heck of a lot of great people!
These are all great suggestions, Ron. There was quite a lot of local volunteer activity around the elections and I hope we see this again in November. Appreciate your suggestions and input here, as always.
Powerful photo. Thanks for sharing your insights feel similarly. I was born in America but have mostly been treated like an outsider here until people get to know me. I am also not going anywhere, even if it’s tempting to high tail it out of here. I find this woman to be quite powerful in her capacity to sit in the midst of all that surrounded her and just be there. Sometimes this feels like the hardest thing to do… to just be present.
I've seen that photo at least a dozen times without a photo credit to Cheney Orr, so I just wanted to thank you for not just including the credit but also a note about him as well.
Yeah, it wasn't until much later after that photo got released that I found a credit. I mean, the photo could have been taken by one of them. Interestingly, have not heard anything about the photo from the photographer.
I wondered about that too. Maybe it has something to do with contract work for Reuters?
I’ve also been thinking about the fact that the subject hasn’t spoken publicly (I don’t think) and whether that was her decision. It might be a smart one, given the negativity that could come with it.
Yeah maybe. I hope she doesn't come forward!
Actually, look below at Mark's comment. Makes me angry.
Incredible article. I too will remember this image as the symbol of America’s 250th Anniversary. EVERY American should. History books in the future should use it also as a reminder of the division that evil monster in the WH sowed. I believe we’ll find our way back but it is going to take many years to undo.
Appreciate the read and the note, Brandie. I think I choose to believe that we will too, though some days it's hard to hold on to the hope. I don't think it ends when he goes away. The division and hate has always been there, it's just been emboldened to surface—but still masked.
The photo is striking and it will be one of the pictures that will be part of 2026 in review at the end of the year. As for your footnote on Gen X, I have no concise answer to the question. I thought our generation could see through the fake and fraudulent. Maybe our generation decided to say “whatever” and let the chips fall where they may. Perhaps a chunk of our generation has accumulated wealth and decided to cast their lot in with a grifter. Who knows. I’m quite angry at those who did cast their vote for this.,.they own it.
I'm guessing wealth and power got to "us." Turned some people more conservative to protect it. I suppose it's a story as old as time.
Just before reading, I was listening to this balming conversation between Prentis Hemphill and Kazu Haga. Towards the end, Kazu notes that fighting for community comes from a place of love. I feel like Mamdani has been reminding us what it feels to belong to a community, and in stoking that feeling of mutual attachment, allowing love to bloom again https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fierce-vulnerability-with-kazu-haga/id1519965068?i=1000774013655
Thanks for the podcast share. What NYC is doing is leading the way and showing the rest of the country what effective leadership looks like. That's why the Republicans and yes, even Democrats are scared. We've been duped all these years!
Thank you for highlighting that revolting photo, and calling the masked men exactly what they are -- cowards.
Appreciate the read, Bette.
She has already been identified and targeted by the authorities to criminalize and discredit her while nobody is trying to identify the coward perps to expose their terror worthy behavior hiding behind their ‘CHRISTIAN’ masks who THEIR employers are, who THEIR family, neighbors and friends are, what churches THEY attend or expose any ‘other’ lapses in judgement THEY may have made in their lifetime. 🤢🤮
Do you have a source? Also, not surprising, which is why I was hoping she would stay anonymous. I hate it.
Dr Stacey Patton
Stacey Patton
Badass journalism professor at Howard University with a unique, valid perspective
Thanks Mark.
Thanks for writing this, Jenna. The best take I have seen about that photo. And how did Rage not fix everything 33 years ago?!?
Thanks Jonathan. I can't wrap my head around the fact that the RATM song came out 34 years ago. Still relevant today and it still sounds fresh!
I remember being totally electrified by that first album when it came out.
Zack was only 23 at this festival!
Oh my god. And when I watch it on YouTube now, I am getting adverts for a “mature” dating app…
Staaaaaaahp it noooo
Great piece. I saw this picture on the 4th (and then video of them marching in DC) and it chilled me to the bone. We no longer live in an America where we can take our freedoms for granted and discrimination/racism is running rampant. I hope more people focus on mutual aid: now is not the time to simply like a social media post. More people are needed to volunteer their time to help in their communities. There's a long list of volunteering help that's needed in communities. Food banks, election workers (especially for the mid-terms in Nov!), donations (food/diapers), phone banking, knocking on doors for the elections, joining local LGBQT+ groups, helping with social media, writing letters to the editor. The list goes on and on. If we all do a small bit of volunteering to help, change will happen. It's hard, but you meet a heck of a lot of great people!
These are all great suggestions, Ron. There was quite a lot of local volunteer activity around the elections and I hope we see this again in November. Appreciate your suggestions and input here, as always.
You're welcome! And thanks for your patience with me: I try my best not to come off as THAT liberal. :)
Thanks for a great piece ⭐
Thank you, Julia.
Powerful photo. Thanks for sharing your insights feel similarly. I was born in America but have mostly been treated like an outsider here until people get to know me. I am also not going anywhere, even if it’s tempting to high tail it out of here. I find this woman to be quite powerful in her capacity to sit in the midst of all that surrounded her and just be there. Sometimes this feels like the hardest thing to do… to just be present.
Your last line is so powerful. Thank you for contributing to the conversation.
it is a very striking, sobering picture indeed.
The ones that hold up a mirror often are. Appreciate the read, thank you.
I just adore your writing so much.
Appreciate that so much, Allison 🫶
Pin this one up. This is your writing at its best.