Manal Massalha

London, Convivial London

With dehumanisation reaching dangerous lows, where live streamed genocide is not only justified but militarily, politically and diplomatically abetted by ruling classes, Islamophobia, tribalism & fear of the other on the rise, racism, structural inequalities & colonial legacies persisting, and where binary, divisive discourse and existence is forced onto us, Hackney, East London, presents us with a different reality & a different story…one of trust, shared humanity, community, conviviality, care & hope…no place for fear, no place for mistrust…

I met M, a childminder, whilst cycling around in Hackney. It was October 2024. A year on into a raging genocide against the Palestinian people. When I saw M pushing a pram, I couldn’t not stop. That was a decisive moment not to be missed. Not because I wanted to reduce or essentialise M and the toddler she’s taking care of down to their ethnic/relgious background or skin colour. But because these identities are being manipulated and mobilised to create and foster divisions. The image is a testament that ordinary people, who are critical and caring, loving and reflective, do not buy into systemic class and racial divisions. This is an image of hope and hopeful possibilities. A celebration of our shared humanity. Not in its uniformity and conformity. But difference and diversity.

Building communities of love, care and solidarity is our response to genocide, dehumanisation and division…Yes to shared futures built on equality & dignity for all…