AJC Photos of the Month -- May 2025

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AJC Photos of the Month -- May 2025

A college student is returned to her family after being detained, University of Georgia Spring Commencement and other local University graduations, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna returns to the lineup, the Atlanta Dream begins their season, Atlanta United, Memorial Day ceremonies and breaking news are just some of the events that the AJC photo team covered for the month of May.

“Cadillac Chronicles TV” creator and host Brian Freeman poses for a portrait in his 1974 Cadillac Eldorado in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Dalton College student Ximena Arias-Cristobal is embraced by her family after being released from the Stewart Immigration Detention Center on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Kathy Pittman lays down flowers at Marietta National Cemetery before the Memorial Day ceremony, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Marietta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Samuel Perry salutes during the playing of the National Anthem while attending the Memorial Day ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Marietta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Floyd Hall, executive director of Atlanta Contemporary poses for a photo in front of artist Courtney Brooks’ outdoor installation “This Crown Belongs to Us” on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Parishioners attend mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Family and friends unveil a monument dedicated to the legacy of Organized Noize cofounder Rico Wade at Headland Shopping Center in East Point on Friday, May 9, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Rev. Juan Carlos Villota Viteri gives communion during mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Lakesha Buckley (center), an organizer with USSW, leads a rally to demand $25-an-hour wages and improved security outside Waffle House on Windy Hill Road, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Marietta. The Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW), which represents low-wage workers in the service industry, has posted a petition with demands for Waffle House to raise employees’ base pay, end a mandatory deductions policy for worker meals and provide 24-hour security at restaurants. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Activist Jawahir Kamil leads protesters during a march near the Georgia State Capitol condemning President Donald Trump's policies on International Workers' Day on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Mahendra Patel appears for his bond hearing in a Cobb County courtroom in Marietta on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Patel, who was accused of trying to kidnap a child at a Walmart in March, was in the Cobb jail for more than 40 days without bond. The judge granted him $10,000 bond. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

“Cadillac Chronicles TV” creator and host Brian Freeman poses for a portrait in his 1974 Cadillac Eldorado in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

(left to right) Rapper/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and radio personality Ryan Cameron speak during a panel discussion at UATL’s quarterly movie night featuring a viewing of “Hustle and Flow” at The Tara Theatre on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Graduates react as Bishop T.D. Jakes delivers a commencement address during 2025 Morris Brown College commencement exercises at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Graduates react as Bishop T.D. Jakes delivers a commencement address during 2025 Morris Brown College commencement exercises at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Floyd Hall, executive director of Atlanta Contemporay poses for a photo in front of archivist Rosa Duffy’s
exhibit “TALL AND WILD: Atlanta 1984-1994” on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, poses for a portrait at PBS Annual Meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Atlanta. Rodney Ho will be interviewing PBS president Paula Kerger about the state of public broadcasting in light of recent political funding developments. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Georgia Tech graduates Tahir Saied (left) and Renee Alnoubani hold flags of Palestine as they receive their diplomas from Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera during the Bachelor's afternoon ceremony at Spring 2025 Commencement at the McCamish Pavilion, Friday, May 2, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Aerial photo shows knocked down trees caused by the storm on the property of Walker Farms, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Wilsonville. South Georgia farmer Drew Walker knew Hurricane Helene was headed for Florida‘s Big Bend region, but couldn’t imagine it would ravage swathes of farm and timberland more than 100 miles inland. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

A person test drives a Porsche on the track at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Atlanta Dream fans react during the second half in a WNBA basketball game at Gateway Center Arena, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Atlanta. Atlanta Dream won 83-75 over Dallas Wings. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) confronts Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) during the first half in Atlanta Dream’s home opener at State Farm Arena, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) steals a ball from Atlanta Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao (2) during the first half in a WNBA basketball game at Gateway Center Arena, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs autographs for young fans before Atlanta Dream’s home opener against Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Graduates react as they move their tassels during 2025 Morris Brown College commencement exercises at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

City Lights host Lois Reitzes conducts a pre-taped interview at WABE in Atlanta on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. She is retiring after 46 years with the station. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Bob Bateman wears a Joker costume while attending a protest outside the Georgia State Capitol condemning President Donald Trump's policies on International Workers' Day on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Artrisia Edwards reacts before she receives her degree during 2025 Morris Brown College commencement exercises at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after scoring during the first half at the Gateway Center Arena, Saturday, May 10, 2025, in College Park. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Georgia Tech graduate Christian Clowers, civil engineering major, celebrates after receiving his diploma from Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera during the Bachelor's afternoon ceremony at Spring 2025 Commencement at the McCamish Pavilion, Friday, May 2, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Seniors in a Stone Mountain retirement community make signs ahead of this Saturday’s protest against President Donald Trump at Marry Beth Thomas’ seniors living, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Stone Mountain. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

University of Georgia students pose for a photograph from a fellow student as fireworks go off to celebrate the end of the University of Georgia Spring Undergraduate Commencement at Sanford Stadium, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

In a dramatic fashion, Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré (14) connects the ball to score the winning goal in stoppage time during the second half against Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Atlanta. Atlanta United won 3-2.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates with Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies (1) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Melvin Wanniplayor holds a Michael Jackson artwork outside his home in Lawrenceville on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. His home was struck by lightning at 2 a.m. on May 21 and caught on fire, and the art was the only thing he saved. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Graduates leave the ceremony as it moves indoors due to thunderstorms in the area during Morehouse College's 141st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Shawn Sanders and Oneida Oliver-Sanders, parents of Army Reserve Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders, appear in front of a painting of their daughter at their home in Waycross on Friday, May 16, 2025. Sanders was killed last year in a drone strike in Jordan. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) is unable to tag San Diego Padres third base Manny Machado (13) during the first inning on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

A US citizen, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, reflects on the events surrounding his detention by ICE. He believes that his name and limited English contributed to his wrongful detention in immigration custody. He was later released after a judge determined there was no basis for his detention.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Georgia Tech graduate Benjamin Panuski carried on Buzz’s back celebrates after receiving his diploma from Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera during the Bachelor's afternoon ceremony at Spring 2025 Commencement at the McCamish Pavilion, Friday, May 2, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Pope David, acted by second-grader David Levergood, makes his appearance after being elected as the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

People riding bicycles were spotted at the beltline near North Ave on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. A new report reveals significant changes in the neighborhoods around the Old Fourth Ward area from 1980 to 2020.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Veteran James Fultz, state commander of the American Legion, attends a Memorial Day ceremony at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Members of the Georgia National Guard Honor Guard stand in formation for a Memorial Day ceremony at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Travelers wait at the domestic terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Savannah Elahee, 18, poses for a portrait at Piedmont Park in Atlanta on Monday, May 19, 2025. Elahee, who has mental health struggles, finds peace at the park. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Musician Usher, who received an honorary degree, speaks at the graduation ceremony at George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center at Emory University in Atlanta on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

A person walks down the central aisle in front of the Western shop at Plaza Fiesta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Some shop owners have observed a decline in their sales. The Trump administration has caused immigrant communities to feel worried and uncertain.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) holds her son Bash after Indiana Fever beat Atlanta Dream during Atlanta Dream’s home opener at State Farm Arena, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Atlanta. Indiana Fever won 81-76 over Atlanta Dream. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Atlanta Falcon offensive lineman Jake Matthews has a moment with his son Beckett as he speaks to members of the media following the Atlanta Falcons OTA #1 at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Lauren Chambers feeds her son Hayden, six months, as her daughter Lola, 2, plays at their home in Smyrna on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Atlanta Falcon quarterback Michael Penix Jr (9) spins the ball during the Atlanta Falcons OTA #1 at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts to a Braves promotion on the field as Acuna goes out to the outfield start the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers to San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. during the first inning at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

A University of Georgia student holds a piece of the hedges in his mouth during the 2025 Spring Commencement at Sanford Stadium, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

A University of Georgia student reacts as the degrees for the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry College of Business are conferred during the Spring Undergraduate Commencement at Sanford Stadium, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila celebrates with the supporters groups after his team dramatically defeated Orlando City 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) slides at first during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

University of Georgia students react during the closing ceremony of the Spring Undergraduate Commencement at Sanford Stadium, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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“Cadillac Chronicles TV” creator and host Brian Freeman poses for a portrait in his 1974 Cadillac Eldorado in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

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