SAN FRANCISCO, CA — On October 22, over 100 attendees gathered in the San Francisco Main Public Library for an extraordinary retrospective panel discussion, “Eyewitness to the Resistance: Photojournalists on the Front Lines of Protest.” Co-hosted by Indivisible SF, Pro Bono Photo, and the San Francisco Public Library, the event offered a rare, compelling look behind the lenses of the visual historians who document the Bay Area’s vibrant history of civil disobedience and social justice movements.
Held in Koret Auditorium, the evening featured a powerful, curated projection of raw front-line photography spanning decades of civic action. Attendees were treated to honest firsthand accounts from local photojournalists who routinely put themselves in the center of street demonstrations, labor strikes, and pro-democracy rallies across Northern California.
The panel discussion was moderated by Jack Owicki, founder of Pro Bono Photo, and featured prominent local photojournalists Brooke Anderson, Steve Disenhof, Jeff Dooley, and Stephanie Mohan. The speakers shared their personal experiences on how they became protest photojournalists, and how they navigate the sometimes chaotic, high-risk environments — from the sting of tear gas to the fleeting, quiet moments of human connection amidst mass demonstrations. They also noted the impact such photos have in the current environment where traditional media often fails to deliver the truth.
From the historic civil rights marches of the 1960s to today’s urgent social justice actions, the Bay Area has always been an epicenter of American resistance. When the crowds disperse, these are the visual historians who ensure the record remains intact. The strong turnout last night proves how vital these stories are to our community.
Following the panel presentation, the audience engaged the photographers directly during a lively and thought-provoking Q&A session. Discussion topics ranged from the ethics of photojournalism and the evolving landscape of digital media to the emotional weight of capturing history in real time.
The exhibit of Pro Bono Photo photojournalists, alongside historical photos, is available to view until January 3 at the Art, Music & Recreation Center Exhibit Space on the 4th Floor of the Main Library.
Photos of the event can be found here: https://www.probonophoto.org/2026/22Oct26SFProtestPhotoPanel