Life/Community Changes
Life/Community Changes Accessible Gallery
COVID-19 brought changes at all levels, be it individual, community, national or global. Some changes were profound such as the birth of a child, or having a business drastically reduced. Others were less life altering but important nonetheless. Changes included working from home, celebrating graduations in new and creative ways, or grocery shopping while wearing masks.
Title of Photo: Untitled
Name: Gabrielle Fajardo
Ethnicity: Filipino
Age: 28
Date Image was Captured: 5/12/20
Time Image was Captured: 8:30:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Bushwick, Brooklyn
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A girl stands underneath a neon sign wearing a black coat, pajamas, leopard print loafers, and a black mask. She is holding a bouquet of yellow flowers and groceries.
What does this image mean to you?
In the last two and a half months, the furthest I’ve walked from our loft is to this market, Food Story, next to Syndicated. I go every Thursday to restock and for new flowers. I wear a mask a friend had printed that I had bought to support her. I miss my friends and hope the flowers bring cheer to my home.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
I wish I, and everyone, knew how to communicate better - specifically nonviolent communication and how to apologize. I wish I didn’t feel alone, sad, or angry all the time.
Title of Photo: At Home Graduation
Name: Yash Bhambhani
Ethnicity: Asian (Indian)
Age: 28
Date Image was Captured: 5/8/20
Time Image was Captured: 8:00:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Bronx, NY
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
Edited image of my face, with University of Mississippi PhD regalia - gown, cap, with a background of the university psychology building.
What does this image mean to you?
Because I didn't have my graduation ceremony, where my parents were going to fly in from India to attend, I took a picture of myself, added in a gown and cap, and added a background of my academic building. Made an edited graduation photo!
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
No exploitation of black and brown labor, Justice for black lives lost.
Title of Photo: My New Normal
Name: Mike Doherty
Ethnicity: Korean
Date Image was Captured: 5/5/20
Time Image was Captured: 9:09:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver, Colorado
Title of Photo: First Day with Mask
Ethnicity: Chinese
Age: 30
Date Image was Captured: 3/17/20
Time Image was Captured: 6:04:00 PM
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
This picture was taken in a grocery store. This was the last day our office was open. I went grocery shopping after work, preparing to stay at home for at least two weeks. I was wearing a blue surgical mask for the first time in the pandemic, because I decided to choose health over safety that day. The produce and meat on the shelves behind me were empty. I looked into the camera of my friend's. The mask covered my face, but I was frowning with fear and helplessness, fearful and vigilant about my surrounding, and at loss of what the future would be.
What does this image mean to you?
This was the last day our office was open. I went grocery shopping after work, preparing to stay at home for at least two weeks. This was also the first time I wore a mask during the pandemic. Since January, I had been hearing from my family in China about COVID-19, but I had been too scared to wear a mask in fear of prejudice and discrimination. When I am in my apartment, I am so privileged. I work from home with the same income and health insurance. I do not worry about paying for rent, grocery and the internet. I am healthy and able-bodied, and do not need medical care or assistance. When I leave my apartment, I become fearful because I am Chinese and people may see me as the virus or hate me for the pandemic. For the next two and half months, I barely took any pictures, and I stayed home to protect myself from racism and the virus. Then Ahmaud Arbery was shot jogging. Breonna Taylor was shot in her bed. George Floyd was choked using a fake $20 bill. Christian Cooper had the cops called on him birding. Tony McDade and Nina Pop were murdered for being Black trans. My apartment door seems to shut out discrimination, but does not stop racism. The society eventually gives me permission to wear a mask, but we cannot wait for the permission to stop injustice.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
Effective leadership based on empirical evidence of public health, epidemiology, medicine, psychology, etc, rather than political ideology, capitalist interests and personal ego. Accountability of authority and law reenforcement. Personal willingness and responsibility to examine sources of entitlement before acting. Financial stimulation and support for communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Training of police, and enforcement of proven effective policies to stop police brutality.
Title of Photo: Research During Covid-19
Ethnicity: Japanese
Age: 29
Date Image was Captured: 5/21/20
Time Image was Captured: 10:00:00 AM
Location Image was Captured: Colorado
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
Black and white photo of a young man wearing a lab coat, goggles, and a face mask looking into a camera. Chemicals, bottles, and glassware are on a laboratory bench behind him.
What does this image mean to you?
This is me returning to work after two months of staying at home. I work in a research laboratory, so all of my work was put on hold once we were asked to quarantine. Our department made the decision to reopen, and all of the research groups were asked to set up safety precautions for their labs on their own. There is a nonzero chance that all these people returning to work may cause a spike in COVID-19 cases. At this point, I was still in a state of disbelief that things were going back to "normal", so I took this photo to capture how I feel.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
This virus has really laid bare the rampant inequalities in this country. Even being asked to return to work is asking us to potentially expose ourselves to the virus. And this is after spending weeks watching thousands of people die across the country. I hope people will wake up and realize what things are really important at the end of the day and build a more just society that values people over all else. The healthcare workers keeping people safe are important. The protests to defend Black lives are important. What I do at work doesn't even feel close.
Title of Photo: Alive in a Living Room
Name: Mary Tablante
Ethnicity: Filipino American
Age: 28
Date Image was Captured: 6/7/20
Time Image was Captured: 5:00:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Washington, D.C.
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A workout space, which is also our living room in a small apartment. In the picture there is a 3d printer, desk, laptop, yoga mat, and two small stools.
What does this image mean to you?
Our small living space is multi-functional. Since COVID-19, it is not only a place to eat or watch Netflix, but it is also an office for two people, a workout area, a 3D printing space, and a space to connect virtually with friends and family, near and far. It's not always easy quarantining in a small space, but we make it work!
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
A more equitable and compassionate world filled with people who actively work toward change and liberation.
Title of Photo: Stocking up for the pandemic
Ethnicity: Chinese American
Age: 35
Date Image was Captured: 3/14/20
Time Image was Captured: 10:50:00 AM
Location Image was Captured: Washington, D.C.
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A man in his 30s wearing a hoodie and black gloves walks down a grocery aisle with two large shopping bags.
What does this image mean to you?
Before there was a shelter-in-place and masks were required or being worn, I went shopping at a small neighborhood grocery which I knew would be less crowded than a Safeway or other larger grocery. I also wore gloves and a hoodie for some protection. I carried two large bags to place everything in. I was very anxious and tried to keep my distance from people.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
More resilient communities that have access to food and adequate health services. A government that really cares about public health.
Title of Photo: Mask Holder
Name: Janet Namkung
Ethnicity: Korean
Age: 31
Date Image was Captured: 5/31/20
Time Image was Captured: 11:30:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: My DC Apartment
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A black and white photo of a silver, metal key holder attached to a white, apartment wall. It is placed next to a white, double light switch by the front door of the apartment.
What does this image mean to you?
I've had this letter/key holder right next to our apartment door since I moved in six years ago. It served as a spot to hang things that I never wanted to lose or forget about. Since the start of the pandemic, the key holder has now transitioned to a mask holder. For the last three months, it's been a constant reminder of the importance of having a mask with me at all times when passing the barrier of my apartment door. It's my new normal, and probably for many others as well.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
Pandemics continue to bring to light which communities are disproportionately affected and lack the resources to survive. While the pandemic is not something anyone would have wanted to happen, I hope decision and lawmakers see the disparities and are ignited to make changes.
Title of Photo: A First Generation Hmong Scholar and Her Parents
Name: Hillary Lor
Ethnicity: Hmong
Date Image was Captured: 5/16/20
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A young Hmong woman proudly wears her graduation gown. She stands between her mother and father. They all are in their living room in front of their TV. On the TV is her virtual graduation ceremony.
What does this image mean to you?
Despite the pandemic, I am proud to be one of the first members of my family to graduate with a higher education degree. I am grateful for my parent’s loving support and am glad to have a home to celebrate my achievement.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
I am graduating with a Master of Public Health in Community Health Promotion. I hope that Public Health will be known and appreciated throughout the world. I also want more woman like me to be represented and valued in Public Health and government/leadership settings.
Title of Photo: COVID-19 Graduation Celebration
Name: Glenn Asakawa
Ethnicity: Japanese American
Date Image was Captured: 5/16/20
Time Image was Captured: 12:22:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Lafayette
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
This photo shows a high school graduate in a truck bed decorated in parade fashion to celebrate his graduation from Centaurus High School in the town of Lafayette, CO. He's wearing a mask to be considerate of others while also showing the joy in seeing many neighborhood residents come out and support the long parade of vehicles with happy graduates who could not experience a traditional celebration due to the virus. It was a very uplifting experience for audience, family and graduates alike.
What does this image mean to you?
This photo shows a high school graduate in a truck bed decorated in parade fashion to celebrate his graduation from Centaurus High School in the town of Lafayette, CO. He's wearing a mask to be considerate of others while also showing the joy in seeing many neighborhood residents come out and support the long parade of vehicles with happy graduates who could not experience a traditional celebration due to the virus. It was a very uplifting experience for audience, family and graduates alike. I think this photo shows a very positive spirit in spite the lockdown.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
More empathy and compassion and help for under-represented groups and people. also, universal healthcare.
Title of Photo: Pandemic by Twilight
Name: Arjun Agerwala
Ethnicity: South Asian Age: 39
Date Image was Captured: 5/30/20
Time Image was Captured: 9:49:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A graffitied wall is seen from below against a darkening sky next to a bright moon.
What does this image mean to you?
For our first outing after two and a half months in quarantine, we went to our friend’s rooftop on a loft in Greenpoint. The neighbors gathered in a wide circle, apart from each other, and we lost track of each others’ faces as the light faded. My friend asked to touch my girlfriend’s hand because he hadn’t had human contact for weeks.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
More rooftops, near and far
Title of Photo: Spent
Name: R
Ethnicity: Japanese
Age: 38
Date Image was Captured: 5/31/20
Time Image was Captured: 6:36:00 AM
Location Image was Captured: West Seattle
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A monochrome photo of an Asian woman with her head propped up on a cushion. She is wearing glasses and is staring into the distance with a vacant expression. She looks exhausted.
What does this image mean to you?
The effects of owning a small business considered essential during the time of COVID-19: operating on 50% of pre-outbreak sales on a good day, trying to keep 14 carefully-hired people employed, navigating to get financial assistance and adhere to new requirements with little to no guidance, dashed dreams after being on track for months of having solid financial standing in order to grow the business, being scrutinized over safety precautions towards the public while simultaneously being put at higher risk by them, fighting with every other business in the industry for supplies needed to operate, facing the likelihood of not being able to open up business further until phase 4 due to logistics and physical space limitations, the West Seattle bridge closure furthering isolation and doubling the commute, a racist hate crime committed against a neighboring, similar business a block away, a peaceful protest against police brutality devolving into a riot involving police brutality, the emergency curfew to mitigate it with far too little notice, and working far too much while having countless sleepless nights, like last night.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
Hold law enforcement accountable for their actions, clearer guidance from officials about how to do things, extension of unemployment so my employees can survive, consistent access to testing, EVERYONE to adhere to recommendations based on science, and a president who speaks with class, eloquence, and complete sentences.
Title of Photo: Food Pantry: Recycling
Name: Sasen Cain
Ethnicity: South Asian
Age: 37
Date Image was Captured: 5/1/20
Time Image was Captured: 12:38:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Iglesia Pentecostal Esmirna
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A cascade of empty cardboard boxes next to a blue recycling bin and dumpster. One box has the logo of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
What does this image mean to you?
During Covid-19, I became a client at a food pantry rather than a volunteer. I couldn't have survived without this nourishment, and I'm deeply grateful.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
I hope we continue donating to food banks and working toward eliminating food insecurity in our communities.
Title of Photo: Coming Home
Name: Anna Tsuchimoto
Ethnicity: Mixed - Japanese and Caucasian
Age: 19
Date Image was Captured: 3/21/20
Time Image was Captured: 4:30:00 PM
Location Image was Captured: Colorado
How would you describe your image, to someone who may be visually impaired?
A plane wing is overlooking the Rocky Mountains that are dusted with spring snow, as the sun looms over the landscape. The mountain range is meeting flat land, and everything seems to be quiet and at peace for this singular moment.
What does this image mean to you?
This image is from my plane ride coming home from college after the announcement of remote learning starting. I go to school in another state, so I always love coming home. It was bittersweet knowing that this was my last time that I would be in Berkeley for a while, but I was emotional thinking about being home with family, safe and not alone. I have never felt such gratitude. I was grateful for my parents being able to get me home, the airline employees that helped me get home safely, the BART train that got me to the airport, and of course the snacks that kept me occupied during the flight. Looking out my window, seeing the familiar snowy mountains, I felt so happy to be home.
Based on your COVID-19 experience, what would you like to see changed in your world, that may or may not be related to your image?
I would like to see more gratitude for what we call home, and recognizing where we come from. No matter where you are now, it is important to recognize and appreciate your roots.
