Hands Off!

Today, I felt compelled to attend the Trump/Musk Hands Off Protest in Detroit, despite understandable concerns from my loving wife and my wonderful daughters. Their worry for my safety deeply touched me—it is an incredible feeling to be so genuinely loved and cared for. Yet, I knew I couldn't miss the chance to stand in solidarity for an important cause and to document a historical moment through my photography.

Attending the protest was a profound experience. At no moment did I feel in danger by the people in attendance. the scary people are the ones the protest was about. Instead, I encountered deeply caring and peaceful individuals united by compassion and a shared commitment to justice and equality. The beautiful humanity I saw today further entrenches my commitment to protecting people from losing their inherent rights of equality and their freedom to live peacefully, without fear of being targeted by the insecure. The people I met were inspiring, driven by sincere empathy and a fervent desire for positive change.

As I sit reviewing the images captured today, tears fill my eyes. I am struck by a profound realization that our country stands at a crossroads, at genuine risk of losing its core values of compassion, humility, and kindness. Today reaffirmed for me the urgent need to act, to listen, and to foster a culture of acceptance and mutual respect.

My photographs aim to reflect the humanity and integrity of those present at today's protest. It is my sincere hope that these images communicate the courage, passion, and resilience of individuals fighting for positive change. I encourage everyone to view and share not just my photographs, but those of many talented photographers who have documented today's events across the country. Engage with these images, feel the emotion behind them, and deeply consider the stories of those negatively impacted by current governmental policies and actions, sadly aided by the supporters of a mad man.
We collectively possess the power and responsibility to correct our course, returning our society to a path defined by mutual respect, equality, and compassion—not only for our own nation but for the world. Let us seize this opportunity together.

Robert Levy