On Monday, June 30, 2025 starting at 6pm, photojournalists Kevin Painchaud and Shmuel Thaler will debut a compelling new photo exhibit, From Pain to Power: A Photographic Glimpse into a Defining Moment in Santa Cruz History, at the London Nelson Center. Featuring more than 40 powerful images, the exhibit captures the spirit and resilience of the Santa Cruz community during the summer of 2020, as residents rallied for racial equity and justice.
This event also marks the official launch of Black Lives Matter Month in Santa Cruz. It serves as a tribute to the community members who rose in protest and solidarity during a time of national upheaval and awakening.
The evening will include a community panel discussion featuring key organizers from the 2020 movement: Joy Flynn, Esabella Bonner, Justin Cummings, Abi Mustapha and Brittnii Potter and will be moderated by Thomas Sage Pedersen. These leaders will share personal insights, experiences, and the motivations that fueled their activism during that historic moment.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view a short documentary chronicling the creation of the Black Lives Matter mural painted in front of Santa Cruz City Hall. Designed by Abi Mustapha and painted by community members, the mural remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance.
The exhibit will remain on display for the month of July at the London Nelson Center.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Resource Center for Nonviolence.
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