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Expanded gallery: 50 of our favorite News & Observer photos of 2021

Demonstrators march down Poindexter Street late on Saturday, May 1, 2021 in downtown Elizabeth City, N.C. on the eleventh day of demonstrations following the death of Andrew Brown Jr. at the hands of Pasquotank County deputies.  Robert Willett  rwillett@newsobserver.com
By Ethan Hyman
News & Observer photojournalists captured a momentous year. Here are some of their top images, from chaos and COVID to conversation and competition.

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Our favorite photos of 2021

The News & Observer’s photojournalists documented all of the moments, big and small, that made this year unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at some of the images that best tell the story of 2021. Plus, find behind-the-scenes videos about how our visual journalists made their favorite photos — and vote for your favorite scene.

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The News & Observer’s visual journalists picked their 50 favorite photos of 2021, from the aftermath of the Andrew Brown shooting in Elizabeth City to major sports victories at Triangle universities.

Andrew Brown Jr.’s sons Kahlil Ferebee, left, and Jha’rod Ferebee release doves following the funeral of Andrew Brown Jr. at the Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City, NC Monday, May 3, 2021. Brown was shot and killed by Pasqoutank County Sheriff deputies in April.
Andrew Brown Jr.’s sons Kahlil Ferebee, left, and Jha’rod Ferebee release doves following the funeral of Andrew Brown Jr. at the Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City, NC Monday, May 3, 2021. Brown was shot and killed by Pasqoutank County Sheriff deputies in April. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Vice President Kamala Harris sits at the F.W. Woolworth lunch counter at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, NC Monday, April 19, 2021.
Vice President Kamala Harris sits at the F.W. Woolworth lunch counter at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, NC Monday, April 19, 2021. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Artist Sean Kernick takes a break from his mural to honor NCCU coach LaVelle Moton on Salibury St. in downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, Nov. 23. 2021.
Artist Sean Kernick takes a break from his mural to honor NCCU coach LaVelle Moton on Salibury St. in downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, Nov. 23. 2021. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Joey Baker (13) keeps the ball as Army’s Isaiah Caldwell (10) pressures him during the first half of Duke’s game against Army at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Friday, November 12, 2021.
Duke’s Joey Baker (13) keeps the ball as Army’s Isaiah Caldwell (10) pressures him during the first half of Duke’s game against Army at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Friday, November 12, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Erica South, a nurse in the emergency department, has DeTyah Cook squeeze her hands while checking on her at UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, October 1, 2021.
Erica South, a nurse in the emergency department, has DeTyah Cook squeeze her hands while checking on her at UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, October 1, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Demonstrators are removed from a closed session meeting of the UNC-Chapel Hill trustees Wednesday, June, 30, 2021 as they prepared to discuss and vote on tenure for distinguished journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
Demonstrators are removed from a closed session meeting of the UNC-Chapel Hill trustees Wednesday, June, 30, 2021 as they prepared to discuss and vote on tenure for distinguished journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
‘True the Barber’ works with customer Bryson Thaxton at Before & After Barbershop on Poole Road in Raleigh on Thursday, March 25, 2021.
‘True the Barber’ works with customer Bryson Thaxton at Before & After Barbershop on Poole Road in Raleigh on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Dr. Nerissa Price administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Yeni Umanzor, 21, as volunteer canvassers went door to door offering vaccines at a Raleigh mobile home park in Raleigh Friday, July 23, 2021. Using Census tract data to identify low vaccination areas in Wake County, outreach teams are working to increase vaccine rates in communities with low vaccination rates.
Dr. Nerissa Price administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Yeni Umanzor, 21, as volunteer canvassers went door to door offering vaccines at a Raleigh mobile home park in Raleigh Friday, July 23, 2021. Using Census tract data to identify low vaccination areas in Wake County, outreach teams are working to increase vaccine rates in communities with low vaccination rates. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Gov. Roy Cooper talks with a child and teacher Kristi Royster, right, at the Community School for People Under Six in Carrboro, N.C., on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.
Gov. Roy Cooper talks with a child and teacher Kristi Royster, right, at the Community School for People Under Six in Carrboro, N.C., on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
A duck swims through pollen-covered waters at Pullen Park in Raleigh on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
A duck swims through pollen-covered waters at Pullen Park in Raleigh on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
The wreckage of a mobile home and a car lay smashed against a tree on the the East Fork Pigeon River in Cruso Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 after remnants from Tropical Storm Fred caused flooding in parts of Western North Carolina Tuesday. Five people are missing and at least four people were found dead.
The wreckage of a mobile home and a car lay smashed against a tree on the the East Fork Pigeon River in Cruso Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 after remnants from Tropical Storm Fred caused flooding in parts of Western North Carolina Tuesday. Five people are missing and at least four people were found dead. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Fans welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to the ice for game two of their second round Stanley Cup series on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C
Fans welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to the ice for game two of their second round Stanley Cup series on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State graduates sit on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium during the Wolfpack’s commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 at the stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, May 14, 2021.
N.C. State graduates sit on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium during the Wolfpack’s commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 at the stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, May 14, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Seven-year-old Bryce Manus studies in front of the computer in his room on Friday, March 26, 2021in Cary, N.C. After almost a year of virtual studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryce’s mother is ready for her son to return to in-person learning.
Seven-year-old Bryce Manus studies in front of the computer in his room on Friday, March 26, 2021in Cary, N.C. After almost a year of virtual studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryce’s mother is ready for her son to return to in-person learning. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Demonstrators march along Hughes Blvd. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 in Elizabeth City, N.C. This is the eighth day of demonstrations in the wake of Andrew Brown Jr.’s death at the hands of Pasquotank County deputies.
Demonstrators march along Hughes Blvd. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 in Elizabeth City, N.C. This is the eighth day of demonstrations in the wake of Andrew Brown Jr.’s death at the hands of Pasquotank County deputies. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Standard poodles Lola, left, and Bruce, right, come in for their annual photo with Santa in Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop in Cary on Thursday evening, Nov. 11, 2021. Duane Reaugh has professionally worked as Santa for seven years.
Standard poodles Lola, left, and Bruce, right, come in for their annual photo with Santa in Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop in Cary on Thursday evening, Nov. 11, 2021. Duane Reaugh has professionally worked as Santa for seven years. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Kelly Baumberger of Apex holds the hand of her son Ethan, 5, as he gets a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine shot administered by Brigitta Bowers at UNC Children’s clinics in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. Son Lukas is to the left.
Kelly Baumberger of Apex holds the hand of her son Ethan, 5, as he gets a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine shot administered by Brigitta Bowers at UNC Children’s clinics in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. Son Lukas is to the left. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Tim Honeycutt, who started working at the family business at age 20, prepares a customer’s items for cleaning at Honeycutt Cleaners in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. The business, which got its start around 1946, will be closing for good May 14th due to challenges from the pandemic, increases in costs and a drop in business.
Tim Honeycutt, who started working at the family business at age 20, prepares a customer’s items for cleaning at Honeycutt Cleaners in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. The business, which got its start around 1946, will be closing for good May 14th due to challenges from the pandemic, increases in costs and a drop in business. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Andrew Brown Jr.’s son Khalil Ferebee, speaks outside the Pasquotank County Public Safety building in Elizabeth City on Monday April 26, 2021 after viewing 20 seconds of police body camera video. The family of Andrew Brown Jr. and their attorneys were shown the video 5 days after Brown was fatally shot by Pasquotank County Sheriff’ deputies.
Andrew Brown Jr.’s son Khalil Ferebee, speaks outside the Pasquotank County Public Safety building in Elizabeth City on Monday April 26, 2021 after viewing 20 seconds of police body camera video. The family of Andrew Brown Jr. and their attorneys were shown the video 5 days after Brown was fatally shot by Pasquotank County Sheriff’ deputies. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Customers line up to get gas at the Mobil station on S. Saunders Street in Raleigh, N.C. Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The station was the only one in the area that had gas available.
Customers line up to get gas at the Mobil station on S. Saunders Street in Raleigh, N.C. Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The station was the only one in the area that had gas available. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Thompson, left, gets a scratch as Anna Gardner cuddles her dog, Toby, at West Street Dog in Raleigh on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2021. West Street Dog is the first off-leash dog bar in Raleigh, serving beers for humans and an indoor dog park for the dogs.
Thompson, left, gets a scratch as Anna Gardner cuddles her dog, Toby, at West Street Dog in Raleigh on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2021. West Street Dog is the first off-leash dog bar in Raleigh, serving beers for humans and an indoor dog park for the dogs. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
The Robbins sisters, Jessyca, 6, left, Julianna, 6, middle, and Journi, 9, right, pose for pictures for their parents before going into Conn Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.
The Robbins sisters, Jessyca, 6, left, Julianna, 6, middle, and Journi, 9, right, pose for pictures for their parents before going into Conn Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Jon Scheyer poses with Carly Savarino, left, and her sister, Emmie, after a press conference where Scheyer was introduced as Duke basketball’s 20th head coach at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Friday, June 4, 2021. Carly and Emmie Savarino are grandchildren of coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Jon Scheyer poses with Carly Savarino, left, and her sister, Emmie, after a press conference where Scheyer was introduced as Duke basketball’s 20th head coach at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Friday, June 4, 2021. Carly and Emmie Savarino are grandchildren of coach Mike Krzyzewski. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Therapy mini horse, Kiwi, smiles on command for a treat from his owner, Tara Needham, at their Raleigh home on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Kiwi recently starred in the film, “Reggie,” that addresses mental health issues.
Therapy mini horse, Kiwi, smiles on command for a treat from his owner, Tara Needham, at their Raleigh home on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Kiwi recently starred in the film, “Reggie,” that addresses mental health issues. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Angel Vettorazzi with Cenplex Building Services sanitizes the seats after N.C. State’s 65-62 victory over Pittsburgh at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Angel Vettorazzi with Cenplex Building Services sanitizes the seats after N.C. State’s 65-62 victory over Pittsburgh at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, February 28, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chapel Hill High School varsity football player Brooklyn Harker, middle, stands with her teammates during practice in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
Chapel Hill High School varsity football player Brooklyn Harker, middle, stands with her teammates during practice in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Demonstrators march around The Executive Mansion calling for an end to mandated masks and COVID-19 vaccinations by some employers and schools on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021 in Raleigh, N.C. In August, there was no statewide mask mandate but many towns, cities and counties had them in place.
Demonstrators march around The Executive Mansion calling for an end to mandated masks and COVID-19 vaccinations by some employers and schools on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021 in Raleigh, N.C. In August, there was no statewide mask mandate but many towns, cities and counties had them in place. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Healthcare workers Lauren Drapiza, left, Cathy Burnham, middle, and Maria Thebeau, right, help operate a monoclonal antibody treatment clinic for COVID-19 patients in the parking lot of the Johnston County Public Health Department in Smithfield, N.C. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.
Healthcare workers Lauren Drapiza, left, Cathy Burnham, middle, and Maria Thebeau, right, help operate a monoclonal antibody treatment clinic for COVID-19 patients in the parking lot of the Johnston County Public Health Department in Smithfield, N.C. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Demonstrators talk with Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Buffaloe, Jr. outside the Pasquotank County Public Safety Building in downtown Elizabeth City, NC Wednesday, April 21, 2022. A Pasquotank County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr., who is Black, on April 21, 2021 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Officials say they were executing a search warrant about 8:30 a.m. on Perry Street. The shooting is under review by the State Bureau of Investigation.
Demonstrators talk with Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Buffaloe, Jr. outside the Pasquotank County Public Safety Building in downtown Elizabeth City, NC Wednesday, April 21, 2022. A Pasquotank County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr., who is Black, on April 21, 2021 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Officials say they were executing a search warrant about 8:30 a.m. on Perry Street. The shooting is under review by the State Bureau of Investigation. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
A business is vandalized as demonstrators rallied and marched in downtown Durham in response to recent police killings and violence against transgender people Friday, April 16, 2021.
A business is vandalized as demonstrators rallied and marched in downtown Durham in response to recent police killings and violence against transgender people Friday, April 16, 2021. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Gaylord Gable, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War, awaits the start of the Veterans Day Observance ceremony honoring veterans of all wars and conflicts at Veterans Freedom Park in Cary, N.C. on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021.
Gaylord Gable, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War, awaits the start of the Veterans Day Observance ceremony honoring veterans of all wars and conflicts at Veterans Freedom Park in Cary, N.C. on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Kurt Price, 7, watches as his step-father, Scott Hammell, an instructional assistant at Adams Elementary School, gets his COVID-19 vaccine shot during a mass vaccine event at Wake County Commons Building in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Wednesday was the first day preK-12 public, private and charter schools, as well as childcare workers, became eligible to begin getting shots.
Kurt Price, 7, watches as his step-father, Scott Hammell, an instructional assistant at Adams Elementary School, gets his COVID-19 vaccine shot during a mass vaccine event at Wake County Commons Building in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Wednesday was the first day preK-12 public, private and charter schools, as well as childcare workers, became eligible to begin getting shots. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Some North Carolina players, including Stephanie Watts, center, kneel during the national anthem before N.C. State’s game against UNC in the annual Play4Kay game at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, February 21, 2021.
Some North Carolina players, including Stephanie Watts, center, kneel during the national anthem before N.C. State’s game against UNC in the annual Play4Kay game at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, February 21, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State baseball coach Elliott Avent speaks to more than 1000 fans who came to Doak Field at Dail Park to greet the team as they returned from Omaha, Nebraska Saturday, June 26, 2021 after NCAA protocol, forced the team out of the College World Series.
N.C. State baseball coach Elliott Avent speaks to more than 1000 fans who came to Doak Field at Dail Park to greet the team as they returned from Omaha, Nebraska Saturday, June 26, 2021 after NCAA protocol, forced the team out of the College World Series. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
President Joe Biden takes a selfie with healthcare workers as he works the rope line following his remarks at Green Road Community Center on Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Raleigh, N.C. Biden visited Wake County to boost the COVID-19 vaccination effort.
President Joe Biden takes a selfie with healthcare workers as he works the rope line following his remarks at Green Road Community Center on Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Raleigh, N.C. Biden visited Wake County to boost the COVID-19 vaccination effort. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Patrons of the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, N.C. ride the “Wave Swinger” on opening night, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Patrons of the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, N.C. ride the “Wave Swinger” on opening night, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Protesters and counter-protesters demonstrate outside a Wake County Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 in Cary. The board will vote on a proposal to continue to require face masks in schools. Some parents argue the coverings should be optional.
Protesters and counter-protesters demonstrate outside a Wake County Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 in Cary. The board will vote on a proposal to continue to require face masks in schools. Some parents argue the coverings should be optional. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Cody Guillory, left, and Jeff Delle help 80-year-old Eileen Delle onto dry land Monday, Aug. 30, 2021 after floodwaters from Hurricane Ida surrounded her elevated home in the Shoreline Park community in Bay St. Louis.
Cody Guillory, left, and Jeff Delle help 80-year-old Eileen Delle onto dry land Monday, Aug. 30, 2021 after floodwaters from Hurricane Ida surrounded her elevated home in the Shoreline Park community in Bay St. Louis. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Newly elected Durham Mayor, Elaine O’Neal performs the gospel song ‘You saved my life’ with her tambourine after giving her acceptance speech at The Rickhouse event space on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Durham, N.C.
Newly elected Durham Mayor, Elaine O’Neal performs the gospel song ‘You saved my life’ with her tambourine after giving her acceptance speech at The Rickhouse event space on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Andrew Thornton, a UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore, starts to ski down McCorkle Place in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday morning, January 28, 2021.
Andrew Thornton, a UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore, starts to ski down McCorkle Place in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday morning, January 28, 2021. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Sam Jones BBQ pit crew member Tiny Townsend works in the smokehouse in the new downtown Raleigh location on Wednesday morning, Feb. 3, 2021. The restaurant is starting off with a soft-open this week.
Sam Jones BBQ pit crew member Tiny Townsend works in the smokehouse in the new downtown Raleigh location on Wednesday morning, Feb. 3, 2021. The restaurant is starting off with a soft-open this week. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Attendees sit and wait for 15 minutes after getting their vaccine shot during a COVID-19 vaccination clinic administered by FirstHealth of the Carolinas at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst, N.C., Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
Attendees sit and wait for 15 minutes after getting their vaccine shot during a COVID-19 vaccination clinic administered by FirstHealth of the Carolinas at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst, N.C., Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina players Power Echols (23), Tony Grimes (20) and Trevion Stevenson (26) jump into the student section to designate the start of the fourth quarter of play against Virginia on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Kenan Stadium in. Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina players Power Echols (23), Tony Grimes (20) and Trevion Stevenson (26) jump into the student section to designate the start of the fourth quarter of play against Virginia on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Kenan Stadium in. Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Katie Sessoms, RN, cares for COVID patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, N.C. Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.
Katie Sessoms, RN, cares for COVID patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, N.C. Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
A man holds his COVID vaccination card while waiting to get his shot at at an event by the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry targeting members of the Hispanic community Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
A man holds his COVID vaccination card while waiting to get his shot at at an event by the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry targeting members of the Hispanic community Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
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Our favorite photos of 2021

The News & Observer’s photojournalists documented all of the moments, big and small, that made this year unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at some of the images that best tell the story of 2021. Plus, find behind-the-scenes videos about how our visual journalists made their favorite photos — and vote for your favorite scene.

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