When the Occupy protests began, I was inspired to contribute my best efforts. As a documentary photographer, this is my activism: to offer these images in the hope that their chronicle of a movement will inspire others to continue to act boldly in the cause of universal justice. In the interest of historical accuracy, everyone I photographed is included, presented in chronological sequence, and paired with their answer to my question, "What would you change first to make this a better world?

This book of 572 portraits documenting activists from the Occupy movement in twelve cities from eight states across the USA - people like you and me, the 99 percent. In exchange for collaboration with this essay, each person photographed can request the digital file of their portrait.

"I came to know Ms. Appel through an acquisition of her photographs of American citizens who participated in many Occupy events of the past few years. Her work fulfills what most satisfying photography does—the aesthetics are brilliantly matched with the message. The Occupy photographs are stunningly well printed and beautifully composed. Her editing of the work in the field and in post-production was spot on to match and convey the sense of the movement and who participated. This work pairs with my mission at the National Museum of American History to collect works that reflect how individuals are part of a larger national narrative. She allowed each individual to speak for him or herself, and collectively historians can see the people who formed this historical event. She photographed each person with interest, openness and respect. It is this mark of embracing humanity that typifies her work.

Shannon Perich
Curator, Photographic History Collection
Smithsonian National Museum
February 19, 2016