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Crime & Justiceby J.M. Giordano7:37 amFeb 26, 20230

Photo Essay: West Wednesday protest hits the 500 mark

Tawanda Jones did what she’s been doing ever since her brother’s 2013 arrest in Baltimore ended in his death – demand accountability. Images by photojournalist Joe Giordano.

Above: Tawanda Jones and her supporters rally at City Hall as the final stop of the West Wednesday caravan. (J. M. Giordano)

Unlike with the previous 499 West Wednesday protests, Tawanda Jones, sister of Tyrone West, decided to take the the 500th protest on the road with a dozen-strong caravan of cars winding through Baltimore to once again decry West’s 2013 death in police custody.

In July, it will be a decade since West, who was pulled over following a traffic stop, died in an ambulance following a beating by Baltimore police.

Since the 44-year-old’s death, Jones has been steadfastly organizing “West Wednesday” events at locations like the Western District police station, the State’s Attorney’s office, and the city coroner’s office.

This past week, she chose a caravan which started at Herring Run Park on Harford Road and, despite a non-fatal accident involving the lead car, ended up at City Hall, where she met with supporters.

West’s family ultimately reached a settlement with the city and state, but Jones did not accept the money so that she could continue to speak out.

That’s what the caravan this past Wednesday, and all her weekly vigils on behalf of her brother, are about, Jones told the crowd.

“We’re here to hold folks accountable.”

Tawanda Jones addresses supporters at the site where her brother Tyrone West was pulled over by police and beaten at the corner of Kelway and Kitmore roads. (J.M. Giordano)

Tawanda Jones addresses supporters at the site where her brother Tyrone West was pulled over by police and beaten at the corner of Kelway and Kitmore roads. (J.M. Giordano)

West Wednesday supporters at the site where Tyrone West was pulled over by police and beaten at the corner of Kelway and Kitmore roads. (J.M. Giordano)

West Wednesday supporters at the site where Tyrone West was pulled over by police in 2013. (J.M. Giordano)

West Wednesday supporters at the site where Tyrone West was pulled over by police and beaten at the corner of Kelway and Kitmore roads. (J.M. Giordano)

Supporters form a car caravan to support Tawanda Jones as she leads the 500th West Wednesday protest. (J.M. Giordano)

A young supporter of West Wednesday at the beginning of the caravan on Harford Road. (J.M. Giordano)

A young supporter of West Wednesday at the beginning of the caravan on Harford Road. (J.M. Giordano)

Tawanda Jones addresses police brutality issues via a loud speaker as the West Wednesday caravan winds through East Baltimore towards City Hall. (J.M. Giordano)

Tawanda Jones addresses police brutality issues via a loud speaker as the caravan winds through East Baltimore towards City Hall. (J.M. Giordano)

Tawanda Jones and her supporters rally at City Hall as the final stop of the West Wednesday caravan. (j.M. Giordano)

Supporters rally at City Hall at the final stop of the West Wednesday caravan. (J.M. Giordano)

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