Introduction
Collage of comics that depict social protest. Overlayed on top of the collage is an illustration from The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History by By David F. Walker and Illustrated by Marcus Kwame Anderson (Ten Speed Graphic, 2021).
When we talk about justice, inclusivity, and human rights, we should also discuss the struggle to get them. Whether an attempt to make social change - or to resist or undo one - protests help to empower the oppressed and serve as a sign of solidarity in the fight for freedom, equality and justice. While forms of social protest have likely existed for as long as humans, experts suggest that urbanization, education and democratic ideals, such as freedom of speech and political rights, help create conditions in which social movements can thrive. Social protest has been a recurring theme in comic books, with many writers and artists using the medium to express their political views and social commentary. The comics on display here depict different types of protests on a variety of topics, including bodily autonomy, human and civil rights, racial violence, police brutality, antiwar, government policy, environmental issues, fair labor conditions and living wages, and wealth inequality.
Content warning - some of the depictions in this exhibit reflect the offensive nature of human rights violations and can be triggering.
The SDSU Comic Arts Collection was developed almost entirely through donations. Comics on display in this exhibit were generously donated by Dan Hager, Doug Highsmith, Ted Adams, Robbie Robbins, Donna Barr, Pamela Jackson, Anthony Letizia, and Martha E. McPhail. We thank them and the many other individuals whose contributions have made this outstanding collection possible.
This digital exhibit was created from the physical exhibit that was on display in the SDSU Library in 2024. Both were curated by Comic Arts Librarian, Pamela Jackson.
Images from the Physical Exhibit in 2024
