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🗞️ It's #RFADay! Meet this year's incoming class of 7️⃣ 8️⃣ incredible @Report4America corps members. They will join the current reporter cohort, bringing the total number of corps members working in local newsrooms across the country to 200. Together, they will continue our work in strengthening local news, deepen community trust and build a more sustainable future for local news 🛣️

🔗 Learn more, and meet our incredible new corps members: link in bio (or stories)

For the past several months, New Orleans East residents Luis and Nivia Burke have had a nightly routine. They drive around their neighborhood, stopping to feed the stray cats.

New Orleans East has long been a dumping ground for animals, Luis said. However, he said he started to see an uptick in strays in January, just after the end of operation Catahoula Crunch, a five-week-long surge of federal immigration officers in the region ordered by the Trump administration. Luis said he didn’t think that was a coincidence.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen pet surrenders double compared to previous years. The organization attributed the increase of animal surrenders not only to immigration arrests but also to families being unable to care for their animals due to financial hardship from sheltering in place out of fear of detention and deportation.

Photos by @report4america corps member @christianabotic for @veritenewsnola. Read the full story in the link in our bio.

For the past several months, New Orleans East residents Luis and Nivia Burke have had a nightly routine. They drive around their neighborhood, stopping to feed the stray cats.

New Orleans East has long been a dumping ground for animals, Luis said. However, he said he started to see an uptick in strays in January, just after the end of operation Catahoula Crunch, a five-week-long surge of federal immigration officers in the region ordered by the Trump administration. Luis said he didn’t think that was a coincidence.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen pet surrenders double compared to previous years. The organization attributed the increase of animal surrenders not only to immigration arrests but also to families being unable to care for their animals due to financial hardship from sheltering in place out of fear of detention and deportation.

Photos by @report4america corps member @christianabotic for @veritenewsnola. Read the full story in the link in our bio.

For the past several months, New Orleans East residents Luis and Nivia Burke have had a nightly routine. They drive around their neighborhood, stopping to feed the stray cats.

New Orleans East has long been a dumping ground for animals, Luis said. However, he said he started to see an uptick in strays in January, just after the end of operation Catahoula Crunch, a five-week-long surge of federal immigration officers in the region ordered by the Trump administration. Luis said he didn’t think that was a coincidence.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen pet surrenders double compared to previous years. The organization attributed the increase of animal surrenders not only to immigration arrests but also to families being unable to care for their animals due to financial hardship from sheltering in place out of fear of detention and deportation.

Photos by @report4america corps member @christianabotic for @veritenewsnola. Read the full story in the link in our bio.

“This gonna be some mess. It’s gonna really change how we eat, how we live— period.”
-LaTonia Blankenship

Orange Mound residents and voting advocates LaTonia Blankenship and Lilli Jackson pose for a portrait outside a “We Must Vote” mural in Orange Mound, Memphis, on May 7, 2026, hours after Tennessee lawmakers voted to split Memphis into three congressional districts.

@catchlight.io
@report4america
@mlk50memphis

“This gonna be some mess. It’s gonna really change how we eat, how we live— period.”
-LaTonia Blankenship

Orange Mound residents and voting advocates LaTonia Blankenship and Lilli Jackson pose for a portrait outside a “We Must Vote” mural in Orange Mound, Memphis, on May 7, 2026, hours after Tennessee lawmakers voted to split Memphis into three congressional districts.

@catchlight.io
@report4america
@mlk50memphis

Today marks the start of "Portrait of America: A love letter to local visual journalism," a @Photoville exhibition curated by @catchlight.io and @Report4America.

"Portrait of America" shows that in a moment when trust and connection are essential, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Check out our exhibition on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park from May 16-30, 📍#29. To learn more, visit: https://photoville.nyc/exhibition/portrait-of-america/ (or link in bio)

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman

Today marks the start of "Portrait of America: A love letter to local visual journalism," a @Photoville exhibition curated by @catchlight.io and @Report4America.

"Portrait of America" shows that in a moment when trust and connection are essential, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Check out our exhibition on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park from May 16-30, 📍#29. To learn more, visit: https://photoville.nyc/exhibition/portrait-of-america/ (or link in bio)

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman

Today marks the start of "Portrait of America: A love letter to local visual journalism," a @Photoville exhibition curated by @catchlight.io and @Report4America.

"Portrait of America" shows that in a moment when trust and connection are essential, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Check out our exhibition on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park from May 16-30, 📍#29. To learn more, visit: https://photoville.nyc/exhibition/portrait-of-america/ (or link in bio)

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman

Today marks the start of "Portrait of America: A love letter to local visual journalism," a @Photoville exhibition curated by @catchlight.io and @Report4America.

"Portrait of America" shows that in a moment when trust and connection are essential, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Check out our exhibition on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park from May 16-30, 📍#29. To learn more, visit: https://photoville.nyc/exhibition/portrait-of-america/ (or link in bio)

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman

Today marks the start of "Portrait of America: A love letter to local visual journalism," a @Photoville exhibition curated by @catchlight.io and @Report4America.

"Portrait of America" shows that in a moment when trust and connection are essential, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Check out our exhibition on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park from May 16-30, 📍#29. To learn more, visit: https://photoville.nyc/exhibition/portrait-of-america/ (or link in bio)

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman

Not long ago, the idea of harm reduction was considered radical. Today, it is largely accepted by medical and public health professionals as a life-saving approach to the addiction crisis. But over the past year, directives from President Donald Trump and his appointees threaten to criminalize key harm reduction practices, throwing the future of nonprofits like Harm Reduction Sisters in Duluth, Minnesota, into uncertainty.

Photos by @Report4America corps member @ellenschmidtphoto for @minnpost.

Not long ago, the idea of harm reduction was considered radical. Today, it is largely accepted by medical and public health professionals as a life-saving approach to the addiction crisis. But over the past year, directives from President Donald Trump and his appointees threaten to criminalize key harm reduction practices, throwing the future of nonprofits like Harm Reduction Sisters in Duluth, Minnesota, into uncertainty.

Photos by @Report4America corps member @ellenschmidtphoto for @minnpost.

Not long ago, the idea of harm reduction was considered radical. Today, it is largely accepted by medical and public health professionals as a life-saving approach to the addiction crisis. But over the past year, directives from President Donald Trump and his appointees threaten to criminalize key harm reduction practices, throwing the future of nonprofits like Harm Reduction Sisters in Duluth, Minnesota, into uncertainty.

Photos by @Report4America corps member @ellenschmidtphoto for @minnpost.

💡 Are you a newsroom leader struggling to define and measure impact? Or, do you have a plan in place, but find yourself short on time (or staff)?

Following a panel where newsroom leaders shared standout impact measurement strategies, Report for America's Kira Limer and Priska Neely compiled their tips, strategies and successes. The conversation, combined with our own research, inspired us to map out a 5-step impact measurement system that can be implemented at any newsroom, large or small.

Big thanks to the newsroom leaders who shared their insights with us: Ariana Beedie of Mirror Indy, Irene Fischler McKisson of Arizona Luminaria, and Danya Henninger of Technical.ly.

Read more: https://www.reportforamerica.org/2026/05/07/roadmap-track-newsroom-impact/

#LocalNews #ImpactMeasurement

Aquí Estamos is a visual storytelling project that placed black and white disposable cameras in the hands of two immigrant families navigating housing instability in San Francisco: The Zavala family, who recently secured permanent housing after years of homelessness, and the Vargas family, who were living in an RV with their infant son.

@Report4America corps member @pablounzueta_ designed the project for @eltecolotesf
to step back from the camera and place authorship in the hands of the families themselves.

Full story in the link in our bio.

Aquí Estamos is a visual storytelling project that placed black and white disposable cameras in the hands of two immigrant families navigating housing instability in San Francisco: The Zavala family, who recently secured permanent housing after years of homelessness, and the Vargas family, who were living in an RV with their infant son.

@Report4America corps member @pablounzueta_ designed the project for @eltecolotesf
to step back from the camera and place authorship in the hands of the families themselves.

Full story in the link in our bio.

Aquí Estamos is a visual storytelling project that placed black and white disposable cameras in the hands of two immigrant families navigating housing instability in San Francisco: The Zavala family, who recently secured permanent housing after years of homelessness, and the Vargas family, who were living in an RV with their infant son.

@Report4America corps member @pablounzueta_ designed the project for @eltecolotesf
to step back from the camera and place authorship in the hands of the families themselves.

Full story in the link in our bio.

Aquí Estamos is a visual storytelling project that placed black and white disposable cameras in the hands of two immigrant families navigating housing instability in San Francisco: The Zavala family, who recently secured permanent housing after years of homelessness, and the Vargas family, who were living in an RV with their infant son.

@Report4America corps member @pablounzueta_ designed the project for @eltecolotesf
to step back from the camera and place authorship in the hands of the families themselves.

Full story in the link in our bio.

Aquí Estamos is a visual storytelling project that placed black and white disposable cameras in the hands of two immigrant families navigating housing instability in San Francisco: The Zavala family, who recently secured permanent housing after years of homelessness, and the Vargas family, who were living in an RV with their infant son.

@Report4America corps member @pablounzueta_ designed the project for @eltecolotesf
to step back from the camera and place authorship in the hands of the families themselves.

Full story in the link in our bio.

Since 2019, CatchLight’s Local Visual Desk and Report for America have partnered to support visual journalism in local newsrooms throughout the country. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

Featuring: Tabius McCoy, Kaylee Greenlee, Camilla Forte, Aryana Noroozi, Larry Valenzuela and David Rodriguez Muñoz, Candace Dane Chambers, Camilo Diaz, Pablo Unzueta, Hiram Alejandro Durán, Walter Gómez, Maria Crane, Isaac Wasserman, Jonathan Aguilar, Ellen Schmidt, Brett Phelps, Eric Shelton, Kevin Wurm, Lauren Miller, Aaron Nesheim, Yesica Prado, Amaya Edwards, Michael Indriolo, Annie Barker, Justin Taylor, Amanda Rosenblatt, Felix Uribe, Lexi Parra, Justin Hamel, Christiana Botic, Joe Timmerman, “Portrait of America, A love letter to local visual journalism”, curated by CatchLight and Report for America

📸 Christiana Botic (@christianabotic) / @veritenewsnola / Catchlight Local / @report4america

🔗 Link in bio to preview more of “Tracing Memory”, as well as all the 85+ public #Photoville2026 exhibits going up throughout NYC this summer!⁠
____⁠
📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park
▪️ Presented by CatchLight (@catchlight.io) and Report for America (@report4america)
____⁠
 📅 May 16–30th, 2026
📣 Opening Weekend May 16th and 17th, 2026 in @brooklynbridgepark
📍 85+ exhibitions across all 5 boroughs + IRL & online public programming
✨ Link in bio to learn more!
Thanks to Lead Marquee Partner @VSCO and Marquee Partners @brooklynbridgepark, @nycparks, @leicacamerausa, @nyculture, @neaarts @photowings, @nyscouncilonthearts, @madein_ny, @twotreesny, @dumbo_brooklyn, and @citypointbklyn
#PhotovilleFestival #Photoville2026 #PhotovilleNYC

From small towns to global capitals, @Report4America and @Report4theWorld corps members bring courage as they cover stories that would otherwise go untold. This #WorldPressFreedomDay, we recognize their critical role in helping communities understand current events, respond to challenges and hold decision-makers accountable.

Their work is only possible with sustained support from people like you.

💌 Give today: link in bio or in story

A Portrait of America brings together images from local newsrooms across the country and reflects on the vital work of local visual journalists.

Since 2019, CatchLight’s Local Visual Desk, in partnership with Report for America, has placed more than 30 visual journalists on staff in local newsrooms in the United States. This exhibition brings together views from across the country, moments of joy and grief, urgency and quiet reflection — from breaking news to the everyday rhythms of community life.

Through their work, local visual journalists play a critical role in advancing representation and fostering long-term relationships with the communities they cover. Their photographs illuminate and preserve the unique and shared moments that shape our communities and our understanding of one another.

On view throughout the day at the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit, A Portrait of America will also travel to @photoville in New York, @photolondonfair, and additional locations later this year.

The exhibition is made possible by @photowings, @enlight.foundation, @photoville, @photolondonfair, and @report4america, with prints provided by @digitalsilverimaging and @hahnemuehle_imaging.

…

Current and Alumni Partners: @atlpresscollective @_austincurrent @baynewsmatters @berkeleyside @bettergov_ @theblackvoicenews @blockclubchi @borderless_mag @thedownload.news @calmatters The Californian @thecurrentga @eltecolotesf @eltimpano_bayarea @enlacelatinonc @fortworthreport Gazetteer SF @india.currents @lookout_eugene_springfield @milwaukeenns @MinnPost @mirrorindy @mlk50memphis @mstodaynews @mtfreepress @theoaklandside @propublica @sahanjournal @sfpublicpress @signalcleveland @stocktonianews @thefloridatrib @theoaklandside @thesantacruzlocal @texas_tribune @veritenewsnola @wacobridge @wisconsinwatch

In "The Look Around," @report4america corps member @isaacwassermanphoto, showcases people and scenes from Springfield, Oregon, for @lookout_eugene_springfield.
The series features beautiful landscapes; the mundanity of daily life; peculiarity that evokes a smile; and moments loud, soft and everywhere in between.

Follow along in a visual celebration of the places and people that make this community special in the link in our bio.

In "The Look Around," @report4america corps member @isaacwassermanphoto, showcases people and scenes from Springfield, Oregon, for @lookout_eugene_springfield.
The series features beautiful landscapes; the mundanity of daily life; peculiarity that evokes a smile; and moments loud, soft and everywhere in between.

Follow along in a visual celebration of the places and people that make this community special in the link in our bio.

In "The Look Around," @report4america corps member @isaacwassermanphoto, showcases people and scenes from Springfield, Oregon, for @lookout_eugene_springfield.
The series features beautiful landscapes; the mundanity of daily life; peculiarity that evokes a smile; and moments loud, soft and everywhere in between.

Follow along in a visual celebration of the places and people that make this community special in the link in our bio.

In "The Look Around," @report4america corps member @isaacwassermanphoto, showcases people and scenes from Springfield, Oregon, for @lookout_eugene_springfield.
The series features beautiful landscapes; the mundanity of daily life; peculiarity that evokes a smile; and moments loud, soft and everywhere in between.

Follow along in a visual celebration of the places and people that make this community special in the link in our bio.

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america

Words📝 by @shaylee.navarro

It reached nearly 80 degrees Sunday when five men in vibrant kesari attire began to walk as one. Known as the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved, their steps marked the start of the long Nagar Kirtan journey that wound through downtown Stockton neighborhoods.

Behind them, a decorated float carried the Sikh holy scripture. Thousands from across San Joaquin County — some even from out-of-state or abroad — trailed close on the float’s heels.

Spanning elders and young children, the throng of people walked for hours in what is considered to be one of the largest Sikh celebrations in the country at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

Some took breaks from the baked pavement by riding on the handful of other floats following behind. Others cooled down by picking up slightly-chilled, sweet lassi handed out by volunteers.

Together, they brought in the city’s 27th annual Vaisakhi festival, their procession purifying each street it crossed in time to recognize the faith’s birth.

“We believe in Sarbat da Bhala, which means peace for everyone — the entire world,” Amrit Bhinder said. It was her 16th year celebrating Vaisakhi at the Stockton temple. “Doesn’t matter what religion, what gender, anything.”

For @stocktonianews with support from @catchlight.io and @report4america