Visual essay: Sorry for the inconvenience. We are trying to change the world

Despite the best efforts of its government, this last month has seen the UK break records again and again for the number of people turning out to protest against war. On Saturdays the streets of every town and city become awash with green, red and black. In their hundreds of thousands, across the world, people are mobilising, standing up in solidarity with the people of Gaza, holding their governments to account, and making an impassioned plea for freedom.

Protesting is not a right that everyone has, it’s a right that is fragile. As individuals we may feel powerless to affect any real change, but as collectives we are mighty, and the coming together of people with shared values to form an optimistic, righteous, beautiful force for justice is a testament to the potentials of human nature.

In this essay, writer and photographer Yousuf Shameel compiles some of the most poignant and powerful images of protest throughout history – the anger, the sacrifice, the comradeship. We hope it inspires you.

Contains images that some might find challenging.

“The caged bird sings
With a fearful trill
Of things unknown
But longed for still
And his tune is heard
On the distant hill
For the caged bird
Sings for freedom”

Maya Angelou

“O Mahsa
From your blood
Poppies will grow
This revolution is for you”

Kamand Kojouri

“Sorry for the inconvenience. We are trying to change the world.”

From This One is Ours by Kate O’Donnell

END