LOUISVILLE, Ky.-- Tyler Gerth was a son, uncle and brother with many passions, one of them being photography. The Trinity High School and University of Kentucky alum was tragically killed June 27, 2020 while photographing and supporting the movement for racial justice in Louisville. 

Following his loss, his family established Building Equal Bridges, The Tyler Gerth Foundation to carry on his name and legacy.

“When the protests of 2020 happened combined with his deep sense of beliefs and justice he wanted to be down there to document the movement, he knew it was a part of history and he felt like he wanted to make sure that perspective was being told,” Brittany Loewen, sister of Tyler Gerth, president of Building Equal Bridges, The Tyler Gerth Foundation said.

On Saturday the organization presented a gift to their partner, Louisville Urban League, to honor Tyler, Building Equal Bridges launched the Tyler Gerth Polaroid Project for the 2021-2022 school year (Oct. through April). The project will target 60 students grades 3-7 by giving them their own camera.

“Every kid will go home with a camera and we really hope to instill in them a love of photography and a love of being able to give their voice to something,” Loewen said.

Children learned firsthand Tyler’s love for photography as Lowen shared pictures of Tyler’s time behind the lens. 

Children also participated in a scavenger hunt where they put their skills to use and discovered their own passion. Loewen is hopeful every time the camera flashes, they’re reminded of how Tyler lived his life.

“Tyler lived by the mantra to be excellent to each other and we really hope that we can inspire kids to not only be excellent to themselves by investing in their passions and their hobbies but to be excellent to those around them as well,” Loewen said.

You can learn more about Tyler Gerth and Building Equal Bridges at their website.