Like many Americans, both my mind and news feed have been filled with thoughts and images related to the events that occurred in Dallas this past Thursday. I was moved by photos I saw by Richard Hill the following day, many which were titled “…before the peace broke”, because for the most part, what I had seen was only video footage of people running in terror. I asked Richard to answer a few questions and share his images here.

Why did you decide to attend the rally in Dallas?

I attended the rally because I think we’re in the middle of a big moment right now. I’m not sure if it is as big as what was going on in the Civil Rights Era but I haven’t seen anything like this in my adult years. Also, I wanted my son to be a part of something that means a great deal. It’s one thing to sit around the dinner table and talk about race and prejudice but it’s quite another to put feet to your words. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to make that happen for both of us.

Tell me a bit about the atmosphere there when you arrived.

When we arrived I noticed very quickly that we were among a heterogeneous mix of America. Everybody was there: black folks and white folks and Asian folks, etc. I felt right at home. We never felt in danger even when the rhetoric got heated. People spoke their minds but no one that I could see felt offended. We all know that something is wrong. It’s hard, especially for white folks like me, to really feel what is happening. I don’t pretend to fathom what my black brothers and sisters are going through and have been going through. I just saw people that were hurting and I wanted to be close them. I would want the same thing if I were in their shoes.

What struck you most about the experience?

I realize that in many ways I’m outsider here. But I’m also a human being and a man and the differences that we may have are certainly eclipsed by what we have in common. Before the rally and march I thought it was optional for me to either be a part of this or stay home. After all, I have been going about my business for all these years and I have been just fine. Or so I thought. After the March was over and the shootings and particularly after I attended a black church the following Sunday, it has been easy to see how wrong I have been.