Editor’s note: On July 26, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it will conduct a “pattern or practice” review into the Memphis Police Department.
Tyre Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after a brutal assault by Memphis police officers. The killing, its heinous details and the courage of Nichols’ family have resonated profoundly across the world. These images are part of our commitment to bearing witness, particularly as our community responds and organizes to carry this moment forward.
JANUARY 26, 2023
Officers from Memphis Police Department’s mounted patrol move through Downtown. Rumors of destructive rioting cast long shadows on the days ahead of the release of the footage of the police’s fatal assault on Tyre Nichols. Those who had already seen the video warned of the horror it contained. Some businesses Downtown closed early and boarded up windows.
JANUARY 31, 2023
A memorial for Tyre Nichols sits on the corner of Castlegate Lane and Bear Creek Cove in Hickory Hill.
JANUARY 26, 2023
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy speaks during a press conference about the Tyre Nichols case at the Shelby County Justice Center. Five officers from the Memphis Police Department were fired and charged with second-degree murder. Another two were also taken off duty. The SCORPION unit, a supposed anti-crime unit that most of the officers belonged to, was also disbanded.
JANUARY 27, 2023
Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols, stand at the pulpit of Mt. Olive Cathedral Church during a press conference about their son ahead of Memphis police’s release of footage showing the brutal attack.
JANUARY 27, 2023
People protesting the death of Tyre Nichols took to the streets to march and shut down parts of downtown Memphis, including Interstate-55. The action ended peacefully after a few hours without the police interfering.
JANUARY 23, 2023
A skateboard rests on a light outside Memphis City Hall during a gathering in honor of Tyre Nichols, organized by local skateboarders.
JANUARY 23, 2023
The image of Tyre Nichols lying in a hospital bed after the police brutally and fatally assaulted him was on the television screens at Mt. Olive Cathedral Church (and reflected on this plexiglass on stage) during a press conference by his family.
JANUARY 23, 2023
Adrienne Kornelson stands for a portrait outside of city hall in a moment of skater solidarity with Tyre Nichols.
JANUARY 23, 2023
Jimmy Woods stands for a portrait outside city hall during a solidarity event for Tyre Nichols. “The cops don’t care,” he said.
JANUARY 27, 2023
A view of the sunset over Danny Thomas Boulevard.
JANUARY 26, 2023
International media, seen here set up outside of the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, descended on Memphis after the news of the brutality of the police attack on Tyre Nichols was made known.
JANUARY 27, 2023
Protestors worked together to shut down the I-55 bridge, an action meant to put financial pressure on the city and county following the killing of Tyre Nichols.
JANUARY 26, 2023
Skateboarders dropped into the bowl at the Tobey Park skatepark during a memorial for Tyre Nichols. Nichols was a son, father, artist and skater.
JANUARY 27, 2023
Protestors walk through downtown Memphis.
JANUARY 27, 2023
The protest in Memphis wasn’t rageful, as many had warned. It was strategic.
JANUARY 27, 2023
Memphis is a significant distribution hub and logistical center. Protestors used their bodies to block traffic for a few hours, including the semi-trucks that are integral in shipping goods. “They’re taking our lives; we’re taking their money!” chants said.
JANUARY 27, 2023
The path was carefully carved from Martyr Park to the I-55 bridge.
JANUARY 27, 2023
People participating helped each other up embankments and over barricades to occupy both directions of the highway without anyone injured.
JANUARY 28, 2023
A Memphis police officer shields his face from passing protestors. The officer’s patrol car was parked in the middle of Poplar Avenue near an action in response to the police killing of Tyre Nichols.
JANUARY 27, 2023
RowVaughn Wells descends from the pulpit at Mt. Olive Cathedral Church following a press conference about her son’s death.
JANUARY 29, 2023
People protesting the murder of Tyre Nichols gathered at the entrance to the Ridgeway Police Station, the precinct office in Nichols’ neighborhood and closest to where the fatal assault happened.
JANUARY 29, 2023
A candle burns for Tyre Nichols during a protest outside the Ridgeway Police Station.
FEBRUARY 1, 2023
Rev. Eric Terrell (center) sits near the door to the sanctuary at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church on Wednesday morning before the funeral for Tyre Nichols. Terrell travels with the National Civil Rights Honor Guards.
FEBRUARY 1, 2023
A flower arrangement sits on top of one of the vehicles in the funeral procession for Tyre Nichols outside Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.
FEBRUARY 1, 2023
A person takes a moment in the sanctuary of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church following the funeral service for Tyre Nichols.
Andrea Morales is the visuals director for MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. Email her at andrea.morales@mlk50.com
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