Ben Sarao
Ben Sarao is the Executive Director of Primary Image. He works on long term documentary projects. His photographic documentaries include: DROUGHT, images of the mega-drought on the western coast in the USA; The New Frontier Revisited, America's Early Space program, exhibited at NASA Headquarters; Eternal Garden of the Villa Borghese, made with the support go the Gli Amici d'Villa Borghese, City of Rome, as well as, The American Academy in Rome as a Visiting Artist; and, Shared Tragedy, a documentary on the effects of toxins in the environment that are causing birth defects worldwide. In July 2021, the entire United Nations delegation received digital copies of the book, Shared Tragedy. The book is in three languages and it is available internationally online for free at: sharedtragedy.com. Ben recently traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to document the 2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd’s death and dedication of the George Perry Floyd Square.
Electronic images
“Say Their Names”, cemetery, May 25, 2022
A symbolic cemetery, one block north of the George Perry Floyd Square, has the names of over 100 Black lives lost through police brutality.
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. The “Say Their Names” symbolic cemetery was created in June 2020. The cemetery was created by artist’s Connor Wright and Anna Barber with the assistance of over a dozen community volunteers. The creators are looking for a permanent site.
Floyd family members at the “Say Their Names”, cemetery, May 25, 2022
The international press covered the Floyd family members at the “Say Their Names” memorial cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rodney Floyd, the youngest brother of George Perry Floyd, is wearing the shirt with the picture of George Floyd.
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. It was a cold dark evening and the clouds were ominous. Rodney’s “moment of silence” was accompanied by a cascade of clicks from the press photographer’s cameras. The difference between a documentary photograph and a press photograph might be the inclusive point of view.
On Guard, Militia, George Floyd 2nd Anniversary Memorial, May 25, 2022
Understandably, the organizers of the “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd” asked the Minneapolis Police Department not to attend their event. Instead, the organizers had a several members of a private community militia stand guard with semi-automatic rifles.
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. A seemingly nice member of the local security militia said that it would be OK, for me to make of photo of him. Then, his prior casual look changed to one of serious intent.
Dusk, Evening of the George Perry Floyd Square dedication, May 25, 2022
“SAY HIS NAME” graffiti can be seen on the sidewalk just below of the newly dedicated George Perry Floyd Square sign.
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. Community members attending the memorial event and dedication of the George Perry Floyd Square began to disperse once the sun had set and the rain began.
Print photos
“Say Their Names”, Justice Walk, Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 25, 2022
Peaceful candle light walk/vigil, Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota on the night of the 2nd Anniversary of George Floyd’s murder
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. A grandmother with her granddaughter slowly walked up the center of the Chicago Avenue with the names of over 100 Black victims of police brutality nationwide.
“Mama, I Can’t Breathe”, Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 25, 2022
Mural, bouquets, candles and tokens of care adorn the “Historic George Floyd Memorial” in front of Cup Foods, corner of Chicago Avenue and E 38th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Digital photograph from the documentary, “2nd Anniversary Remembrance of George Floyd”. In early June of 2021, when the City of Minneapolis tried to remove what it called a “makeshift memorial” to reopen the street for local traffic, there were community protests.