I Can't Breathe

The Black Lives Matter Movement has often been depicted as angry Black mobs creating chaos in the streets of America. James Charles Shedwell in 2013 after the Zimmerman verdict set out to change that narrative. What began as a personal photographic project originally posted on social media became one of capturing the frustrated faces and unheard voices of people who are marginalized but also their diverse allies who support them in their quest for equal treatment.

Shedwell began attending various Black Lives Matter marches over the years in the Atlanta area culminating in the explosive George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor demonstrations that gripped America for several weeks.

The images featured in I Can't Breathe: The Unheard is modern yet reminiscent of the 1960s. This presentation is unique in that it presents quotes from various civil rights activists and political leaders alongside the images. These quotes are specifically chosen for the photographs that appear next to them. Along with selected commentary from the author, I Can't Breathe: The Unheard tells a story of the continued struggle for social justice and equality.