AUSTIN, Texas — Those participating in rallies against police brutality all have their own reasons for showing up. For some, it’s very personal and for others, it’s a chance to live the values passed down from their parents. But at the heart of it is the hope for lasting change. 

What You Need To Know

  • Photographer is inspired to document the Black Lives Matter protests

  • Recording the stories of the protesters 

Twenty-six-year-old Anthony Evans has a story to tell. 

“I was injured by a police officer with a rubber bullet or a rubber bean bag. I was shot to the jaw,” he said.

Evans was badly hurt during the Black Lives Matter protests in Downtown Austin. The healing process hasn’t been easy for him. His jaw has been wired shut for almost two months and doctors had to delay taking the wires out after discovering his jaw wasn’t strong enough yet. Despite the setbacks he’s trying his best to stay positive. 

After hearing about what Evans was going through, Nico Loayza wanted to give him a platform to talk about his experience in his own words. 

“He was just so overwhelmingly positive and just had a genuineness about him,” said Loayza. 

Loayza is a photographer who was inspired to document the Black Lives Matter protests in the city he grew up in. Part of his passion for racial justice was passed down from his late father who also had a story to tell. 

“He was Peru-negro so he came to Peru when he was 17, 18 years old for the education, but he was one of those people. He wasn’t necessarily biracial but in Latin American culture, if you’re a Black Latin it’s kind of -- you’re not Black enough” Loayza said. 

Shortly after moving to Texas, Loayza’s parents met in Austin’s Zilker Park and they bought a house in nearby Westlake. 

“He told me before when cops would come to the house and stuff like that, they wouldn’t believe that he was the property owner,” said Loayza. “My dad always made such a point to talk about how the opportunity in America is unparalleled. That’s the reason why people come here. But at the same time, do not get it twisted, this place still thrives in racist ways.” 

While his dad isn’t here to stand in solidarity with those fighting against police brutality, he’s thankful for the stories he shared. He’s also thankful for people like Evans – who are still sharing their stories today.