From the northern tip of the Bronx to the shores of Coney Island, New Yorkers depend on the subway to keep the heart of the city beating. Although desolate as a result of current stay-at-home orders, “Love in Every Direction,” an on-going series photographed by Maksim Axelrod, recalls a time which still upholds the importance of uncovering love and support in the darkest places.

For the third weekend of “V Love New York,” we pay homage to those who continue to show support, connectivity and love while not only being faced with a global pandemic, but also injustice and violence at the hand of our very own species.

As an only child, Axelrod was always drawn to love and connectivity from an external sense. Perhaps the first place you look for love may not be within the likes of the New York City subway, however, he ironically unearthed glimpses of it. “The subway can be seen like the times we live in,” he says. “It can be scary, you’re not really sure what you’re going to encounter. It takes a long fucking time, but when you’re on the journey—if you pay attention—you’ll see beauty.”

Despite our best efforts to avoid skin-to-skin contact with a fellow rider, the train’s unpredictability causes us to swing, sway and violently jerk as one. Through different walks of life, whether a loved one or stranger, connectivity runs through us riders like a wave of electricity—we are all affected. As one loses their balance, another with a stable grip on the overhead rail bolsters them. Within the loneliest and seemingly divided city remains an unspoken yet unmistakable dialogue of compassion, understanding, and tangible support. 

“When you come down to the individuals, generally (aside from a few bad apples) people want the same thing. They want safety, health, happiness, and comfort,” says the Brooklyn photographer. 

It’s important now more than ever to band together to effectively promote the change that is desperately needed. Below see the series of “Love in Every Direction” and organizations that you can support.

 

 

Head to JusticeForBigFloyd.com and sign the petition.

Signing the petition will email Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Michael Freeman demanding that all four officers be arrested and charged for murder, on your behalf. It’s a super petition that emails all offices and individuals involved in the fight for justice.

Call District Attorney Michael Freeman.

Call (612) 324-4499 to reach DA Michael Freeman, who has the power to arrest and charge all of the officers, so that justice will be served and all four officers will properly be held accountable for the murder of George Floyd. 

Here’s a sample script you can use when you call:

“Hi, my name is ____ from _____ and I am calling on behalf of George Floyd and the injustice that he faced. I demand that all four officers be arrested because being fired is not enough.”

Text ‘FLOYD’ to 55156 to demand justice. 

This will link you to Color of Change’s petition, which will send a letter to Mayor Jacob Frey and District Attorney Michael Freeman demanding the arrest and murder charge of the four officers. 

Text ‘JUSTICE’ to 668366 to sign MoveOn’s petition.

This petition demands that all four cops involved in Floyd’s death should be charged with murder and held fully accountable. All you have to do is respond with your US zipcode.

Donate to George Floyd’s family.

There are several ongoing fundraisers for George Floyd’s family. George’s brother Philonise Floyd organized a fund to fund the funeral and burial, and to support his family as they continue to demand justice: here. Floyd’s sister, Bridgett Floyd, established a fund specifically to support George’s daughter, Gianna: here. 

Donate to organizations bailing out protestors who are being arrested in the fight for justice. 

The Minnesota Freedom Fund is an organization that exists to pay criminal bail and immigration bonds for those who cannot afford them. They’ve been spearheading support for protestor’s bail as they’ve been arrested in the demonstrations demanding justice for Floyd. Donate here.