The protesters on the busy suburban St Louis street not far from the place where a white police officer fatally shot an unarmed black teenager have walked from nearby apartments, driven from neighbouring communities or flown in from states hundreds of miles away. Some are young parents carrying infants. Others, college students, retirees, professionals taking a break from their jobs.

The demonstrators are demanding justice for 18-year-old Michael Brown, which they say can only be accomplished if Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson is charged and convicted for the shooting. Many also cite larger causes.

So the protesters chant "Hands up! Don't shoot!" while raising their own arms. They write the words on posters, and print them on T-shirts. In this gallery, we publish some of the most powerful placards and signs.