These photographs reveal the unbelievable protests from 80s and 90s New York

[N]ow showing at the Bronx Documentary Centre “Whose Streets? Our Streets!” is an exhibition showcasing the various protests confronting systematic racism, police brutality, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, AIDS, housing, war and environmental issues in New York from the 1980s -2000.

‘Whose Streets? Our Streets!’ permits us a window to see these historic protests in one viewing, what entangles these disparate images together is the palpable sense of power and determination of people standing up against their governments. Fast forward nearly 20 years and these protests are still ongoing. Whilst we struggle to find harmony between genuine protests (like the recent Global Women’s March) and the daily onslaught of online outrage culture, these images are a sobering reminder of what can (and will) be achieved when the people pull together.

This exhibition will be showing at the Bronx Documentary Centre until March 5th, you can find out more information on their website.

A group called “Women in Mourning and Outrage” hold up photographs of Amadou Diallo during a rally in front of the United Nations. The rally was held after the acquittal of four New York City police officers involved in the shooting of Mr. Diallo, who was unarmed. February 27, 2000. © Ricky Flores Diallo

Day of Outrage demonstration at the Jay Street-Borough Hall subway station following the Howard Beach verdict on December 21, 1987 in which three defendants were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Michael Griffith who was beaten and chased by a white mob onto a highway where he was struck by a car. © Ricky Flores

The Women's Action Coalition demonstrates at the opening of the Guggenheim Soho to protest the lack of women artists in the museum’s inaugural exhibition. June 25, 1992.

Tompkins Square Park riot, New York City, 1988. © James Hamilton