In the fall of 2011, a protest swept across the United States. Sparked by the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City, activists took to the streets, challenging economic inequality, corporate greed, and government corruption. Washington, DC, was no exception. Just a few blocks from the White House, protesters gathered in McPherson Square, forming a camp where people from all walks of life came together in a shared struggle (see Figure 1). In November 2011, during a late-night walk, I entered the site and photographed the Occupy movement protesters in Washington, DC.
Belonging Among the Occupy Movement Protesters
Occupy DC began on October 1, 2011, as demonstrators pitched tents in McPherson Square (see Figures 2 & 3), determined to create a space for dialogue and activism. But beyond the politics, something deeper was happening—a sense of belonging emerged. Strangers became allies, bound by a common purpose. They shared food, stories, and responsibilities, forming a temporary yet deeply connected community (see Figure 4). The encampment evolved into more than just a protest; it became a place where people found solidarity, understanding, and a voice.
Occupy DC: A Movement That United the “99%”
The Occupy movement highlighted injustice (see Figure 5) and the growing divide between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of society. Moreover, protesters, identifying themselves as the “99%,” found strength in their collective experience. Through daily assemblies and acts of civil disobedience, they built relationships and a shared sense of purpose.
For many, it was the first time they had felt part of something greater than themselves—a movement not just about liberation (see Figure 6) but about people coming together in defiance and hope (see Figure 7).
The End of the Encampment, But Not the Bonds
Occupy DC persisted into 2012. But as media attention shifted to the presidential election, the movement’s momentum waned. Eventually, Occupy movement protesters disbanded, and McPherson Square returned to its original state. Yet, the bonds formed during those months remained. The friendships, the struggles, and the collective sense of belonging left an indelible mark on those who participated. The Occupy movement may no longer physically exist, but the connections and sense of shared purpose it fostered continue to influence activism today.
Capturing the Spirit of Occupy Movement Protesters
During my visit to McPherson Square, I witnessed the resilience of those who found a home within the Occupy movement (see Figure 8). Furthermore, these photos capture the camaraderie among Occupy movement protesters (see Figures 9 & 10). And the makeshift encampments that symbolised refuge and the deeply personal moments of unity. These images tell the story of people who, in coming together, discovered that belonging is not just about place—it is about shared struggle, support, and the belief that change is possible.
📍 Where: McPherson Square, Washington, DC.
📅 When: November 2011.
📷 Camera: Canon EOS 5D with a 24-105mm lens.
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