When the West Side Burned
Description
Network
WTTW
Year Completed
2024
Role
Director of Photography
After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chicago’s West Side became a landscape of mourning, anger, and destruction. The loss of a leader who championed nonviolent resistance reverberated across the nation, sparking uprisings. In Chicago, the toll was heavy: 11 people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, thousands arrested, and approximately 200 buildings were destroyed in the unrest.
As Director of Photography, my aim was to capture the enduring impact of these events. Using a blend of archival footage, present-day visuals of the West Side, and intimate interviews, I sought to create a visual narrative that honors the pain, resilience, and ongoing fight for justice in this community.
