Embedded: “We Keep Us Safe” from NPR, KUOW and The Seattle Times
A Teen’s Journey into the Heart of a Movement
Embedded – At the start of the 2020 summer, Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old from a distant state, embarked on a transformative path. His decision to travel over 1,000 miles was driven by a desire to stand alongside those fighting for justice. Upon arriving in Seattle, he became part of a historic protest movement that had taken root in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, or CHOP, had emerged as a symbol of resistance, with demonstrators taking over a stretch of the city to challenge police presence. Just days after his arrival, Antonio’s life was cut short in that same area, leaving a mystery that continues to unfold.
The Night of the Shooting
Antonio’s death occurred during a tense moment in the protest’s evolution. While some hailed the movement as a triumph of community power, others began to question its growing intensity. The incident that led to his fatal injury was captured on video, though the details of what transpired remain unclear. Protesters asserted that they acted in self-defense, but for years, their claims went unchallenged. Now, a team of journalists is delving into the events of that night, uncovering new evidence and perspectives that may reshape the narrative.
“For years, the story of Antonio’s death has been shaped by those closest to him and the community he joined. But as we dig deeper, we’re finding pieces of the puzzle that weren’t shared with the public before.”
CHOP: A Movement Born from Defiance
The CHOP protest began with a confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement outside a precinct on Capitol Hill. The clash, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, led to the occupation of eight city blocks, creating a space where police were temporarily absent. This bold move was intended to demonstrate the power of collective action and to demand accountability. However, as the movement grew, so did the complexity of its environment. Rumors of hidden threats and the perception of danger began to shape the experiences of those who joined, including Antonio Mays Jr.
Antonio’s decision to be part of this movement came after hearing about the protests on social media and through news reports. The teenager, who had never been to Seattle before, saw the city as a place of possibility and change. His presence in the CHOP zone three weeks after its inception added a personal dimension to the unfolding story. Yet, as the protests continued, the atmosphere shifted. What had started as a collective effort to protect each other turned into a scenario where tensions could escalate rapidly.
Investigating the Truth
As the dust settled, the question of how Antonio died became central to the conversation. Sydney Brownstone and Will James, the lead reporters on the series, have been working tirelessly to piece together the events. Their investigation has uncovered new footage, testimonies, and documents that shed light on the moments before the shooting. The evidence they’ve gathered challenges the initial accounts and raises critical questions about the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The series also explores the broader implications of Antonio’s death. His story is not just about a single event but about the intersection of youth activism, community safety, and the evolving dynamics of protest. The team includes David Gutman, who provides in-depth analysis, and Liana Simstrom, who oversees the visual elements of the storytelling. Their collaboration has brought together multiple perspectives, offering a more comprehensive view of what happened in the CHOP zone.
A Collaborative Effort
Behind the scenes, the production of the series involved a dedicated team of professionals. Adelina Lancianese and Dan Girma handled the production, while Luis Trelles and Laura Greanias contributed to the editing. Additional support came from Omari Salisbury, Greg Scruggs, David Gutherz, and Sarah Wyman, who helped with research and reporting. The research team, led by Dania Suleman and Miyoko Wolf, played a vital role in verifying facts and uncovering overlooked details.
Technical expertise was provided by Robert Rodriguez and Jimmy Keely, ensuring the audio and visual quality met high standards. Standards, editorial review, and legal support were managed by a group of seasoned professionals, including Tony Cavin, Nadia Lancy, Johannes Doerge, Micah Ratner, and Kathy George. Darrius Cook and Rob Harris were instrumental in the technical execution, while NPR leadership, including Katie Simon, Irene Noguchi, Yolanda Sangweni, and Tommy Evans, guided the project’s direction. KUOW’s Brendan Sweeney and Marshall Eisen, along with The Seattle Times’ Laura Greanias and Michele Matassa Flores, also contributed to the project’s success.
Visual and Narrative Craft
The design and development of the series were led by a team of creatives, including Alyson Hurt, Brent Jones, Jordan Postma, Sergio Romano, and Russell Gossett. These designers ensured the project’s aesthetic aligned with its message. Emily Bogle, Shaun Martin, and Frank Mina were responsible for the visual editing, bringing together the footage in a way that highlights the emotional weight of the events. The video team, comprising Tsering Bista, Megan Farmer, Nick Michael, John Poole, and Sam Melbourneweaver, played a crucial role in capturing the atmosphere of the protests and the moment of Antonio’s death.
Behind the scenes, audience engagement was overseen by Arielle Retting and Ameera Butt, who helped connect the story to viewers. The writing and editing process involved a collective effort, with Sydney Brownstone, Laura Greanias, Dan Girma, David Gutman, Will James, Adelina Lancianese, Katie Simon, Luis Trelles, and Abby Wendle contributing their expertise. This multidisciplinary approach allowed the team to present a nuanced and compelling narrative that honors Antonio’s legacy while uncovering the truths that have remained hidden for years.
Special thanks are extended to Ashley Dorelus, Marcus Kulik, Joey Wieser, and Omari Salisbury at Converge Media for their invaluable contribution of video footage. Their work has been essential in visualizing the events and providing a foundation for the series’ storytelling. Through this collaboration, the project aims to keep the conversation alive, ensuring that Antonio Mays Jr.’s story is remembered and understood in its full context.
