Occupy Oakland:A Month in the Heart of a MovementThe Occupy Oakland protests were a defining moment in Bay Area history. For over a month, I immersed myself in the encampments at Oscar Grant Plaza, documenting both large-scale marches—like the Port of Oakland shutdown—and the intimate, human stories unfolding within the movement.
Drawing on my photojournalism experience (including work for the New York Times), I stayed overnight at the Occupy camp to capture the raw reality of living in a makeshift community—its challenges, camaraderie, and resilience. From the so-called “Mayor of Occupy Oakland” navigating camp politics to smaller, community-driven events like First Fridays, every shot reflects the urgency, tension, and hope that characterized this historic grassroots uprising.