Photo: Sean Waltrous
We Keep Us Safe
2024
Director, Producer: Shawn Batey
We Keep Us Safe is comprised of five documentary short films. Each film features one of five activists in the NYC Black Lives Matter Movement. Each story, 5 - 7 minutes in length, highlights an activist, combining a mix of protest footage from photographs, videos, and interviews on the streets.
Each subject in the film represents a different age group, gender identity, profession, ethnic identity, and reason for participation in the protests. The activists represent a Native American/African American bicyclist, a female Ethiopian teacher, a non-binary queer dancer, a female Trans leader, and an Afro-Dominican recent college graduate.
Made Possible by Grants from
The 2022 New York State Council for The Arts Grant
LMCC (Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) 2024 Manhattan Arts Grant
Screening & Panel Discussion: Akira Drake, Shawn Batey, Josh Pacheco , Jonathan Peck. April 26, 2024 @ Urban Affairs Association Conference
This project is made possible in part with funds from:
The Creative Engagement and UMEZ Arts Engagement Regrant programs, supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with City Council and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and administered by LMCC.
2022 New York State Council for The Arts
Helena Tibibe, Ethiopian elementary school teacher, Leader and Founder of social justice bike ride, Ride to DC. Helena is a continuing education instructor at LaGuardia Community college and studying International Educational Development at Teachers College of Columbia University with a focus on Refugee education. Photo: Sean Waltrous
Helena Tibibe@Ride To DC - August 2020 Photo: Kent Edwards
Medium & Mission:
The project represents activism told primarily through photography, representing the work of 25 photographer/videographer activists.
Shawn's mission with this work is to simultaneously show a personal perspective of BLM organizers & activists as well showcase the work of independent photographers, documentary journalists that has not been seen.
Process:
We Keep Us Safe was produced over the past five years starting with filming during the BLM protests in 2020 and interviews in 2021. During the protests Shawn developed relationships with numerous visual based activists.
With funding support from NYSCA, New York State Council for Arts, Shawn began organizing the photography and video work from over 25 photographers/videographers associated with the project. During 2023 Shawn worked with editor Chris Bravo, and music composer, Miles Francis, over a period of five months.
Robin Ayers, Movement artist, writer, and facilitator who provided safety support during the BLM protests. Robyn is a member of dance company Hivewild and featured in the film, A Sigh Of Origin. Photo: Sean Waltrous
Robin Ayers@Blasian March, Cadman Plaza, 2020 Photo: Cindy Trinh
Isaac Ortega, BLM organizer and 2021 Harvard college graduate, majoring in Mathematics. Isaac currently works for a public defender nonprofit. Photo: Sean Waltrous
Isaac Ortega, Times Square - Sept 19, 2020 Photo: Campbell Walters
Jonathan Peck, activist and cyclist providing safety support during BLM Protests. He is the founder of Journeys for Justice, a Non Profit organization & Run Community to work and achieve liberation through education, action, and movement by our runs and social platform. Photo: Sean Waltrous
Jonathan Peck, Feb 5, 2021 Photo: Derek French
Qween Jean, Trans activist fighting for visibility and inclusiveness in the BLM Movement. She founded Black Trans Liberation, a community organization that empowers and celebrates TGNC people. Photo: Sean Waltrous
