Portraits of Love and Loss: Families Fighting Police Violence Share Their Stories
In a new campaign to raise awareness around police violence, family members hold photographs of their loved ones - not news clips - but intimate family photos showing warm smiles and cherished memories. These portraits, captured by photographer Don Dixon in collaboration with FEMINIST and the Justice Committee, an organization supporting the families of loved ones killed by the NYPD, tell a different story than the one often presented in media coverage of police killings and remind us that behind every case is a family who loved them.
These portraits act as a powerful reminder that police violence is a feminist issue. As Yul-san Liem, a spokesperson for Justice Committee, notes, "Police violence and fighting against it is ultimately about building safe, healthy, and empowered communities." Liem explains, "patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism are all root causes of police violence... when people are killed, it destroys communities."
This trauma disproportionately affects women who are left to pursue justice. Often, mothers, sisters, and partners become the driving force behind campaigns for accountability, taking on roles as organizers and advocates while navigating a system that wasn't designed to serve them or to truly hold police accountable.
ONGOING CAMPAIGNS FOR JUSTICE
Antonio Williams’ family holds a photo of his son Antonio. "I'll never get that memory back," shares Sam Williams, the father of Antonio, who was killed by NYPD in 2019. The Williams family maintains their fight for justice in this open case.
"He was always a light in the dark room," says Samy Feliz of his brother Allan, killed by NYPD in 2019. The portrait shows Samy and his family holding a photo of Allan. "He had tons of plans and ideas about what he wanted to do and share with his son." The family continues to fight for accountability in this open case.
Victoria Davis continues to seek justice for her brother Delrawn Small, who was fatally shot by an NYPD officer in 2016. "When we were little, he would wash my hair and walk me to school. He was always in good spirits. Our children loved him." Victoria named her son Justice as an ode to her brother. The case remains open.
AN ONGOING LEGACY
The project also features powerful portraits of families who have lost loved ones to police violence and have fought long campaigns for justice, including the family of Sean Bell, Anthony Rosario, and Anthony Baez. These families' ongoing advocacy and resilience have paved the way for current justice campaigns and community organizing efforts, fighting for true changes within police departments that hold abusive officers accountable.
ABOUT THE JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The Justice Committee celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1985, they have empowered families affected by police violence and racial violence to lead campaigns for accountability in New York City – the largest and most expensive police force in the country and one of the largest in the world, with an annual budget of over $11 billion.
These portraits showcase not just their loss, but their strength in demanding change through their grief. The photo series reminds us that behind every statistic is a family member, a story, a life and potential that ended early, and a community fighting for justice in a struggle that is inherently feminist, intersectional, and crucial for building safe, healthy communities we all deserve.
TAKE ACTION
→ Call for Accountability: Tell police Commissioner Tisch & Mayor Adams to fire Lt. Rivera for the killing of Allan Feliz. Tag @NYCMayor and @NYPDPC
→ Support Current Campaigns: Follow the ongoing cases of Delrawn Small, Allan Feliz, Antonio Williams, and Win Rozario through @JusticeCommittee.
→ Get Involved: Join the Justice Committee to support families’ fights for justice, learn to CopWatch, and organize to reduce the size, power and budget of the NYPD at justicecommittee.org
→ Spread Awareness: Share these cases to push for police accountability.
