PHOTO ESSAY: Obama’s Rally in Richmond

by | Oct 20, 2017 | PHOTOGRAPHY

Most of the time, we fail to realize just how significant the events we are living have become. We grow complacent in echo-chambers of our own making and impose on ourselves a worldview which is filtered through our social networks and media preferences. From a certain perspective, we are all held hostage to this phenomenon. And in an age where we all live a political lifestyle, one where the failure of institutional civility has become the norm – rather than the exception – it is not hard to feel the palpable stress, anxiety, and loathing that comes with anything having to do with contemporary politics. Despite this, there have been times where that feeling of civility was restored, even for a short moment – last night’s rally with former President Barak Obama was just such a moment.

While Obama’s rally was a campaign event for Democratic hopeful Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, it was also an attempt by the former president to interject some civility back into the political discourse. Whatever our political preference or party might be, what we are experiencing right now as Americans goes far beyond politics and cuts to the very core of who we are as a country and the social fabric which ultimately binds us together. This is something all living former presidents have recently expressed – Republican or Democrat. If we can see beyond party or politics, that was the takeaway from Obama last night.

Nonetheless, the rally was still a platform for the Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) to showcase its upcoming roster of election hopefuls in addition to luminaries of the party like Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Congressman Donald McEachin, and Mayor Levar Stoney. Here are some of the best photos of the night, taken by RVA Mag Political Director, Landon Shroder and Field Photographer Brendan Wilson:

All Hands on Deck. Photo by Branden Wilson

Everyone Excited to Catch a Glimpse of Obama. Photo by Landon Shroder

Passions Were Ignited. Photo by Branden Wilson

Mayor Levar Stoney. Photo by Landon Shroder

Young People Supporting Northam. Photo by Landon Shroder

Justin Fairfax Running for LT Governor. Photo by Branden Wilson

Congressman Donald McEachin. Photo by Landon Shroder

Dr. Ralph Northam, Democratic Hopeful. Photo by Branden Wilson

Obama Takes the Stage. Photo by Landon Shroder

Obama Stumping for Ralph Northam. Photo by Branden Wilson

2017 Democratic Ticket. Photo by Branden Wilson

Obama, Looking at You. Photo by Landon Shroder

Moms Demand Action. Photo by Branden Wilson

Not a Moment Wasted. Photo by Landon Shroder

 

*Words by Landon Shroder

 

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




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