Who said protesting [1] doesn't solve problems? In the wake of global antiracism marches against police brutality, activists are dismantling systemic racism with their bare hands, by removing statues of slavers [2] from being memorialised in public spaces. In response to this monumental win for the people, British historian James Barr asked Twitter [3] to "name a statue that actually enhances its surroundings" — the responses restored our faith in humanity.

The original tweet by Barr on Wednesday, 10 June received over 23,000, and has more recently become a viral meme on Instagram. Some of our favourite responses include: "La Mulâtresse Solitude", a statue of a pregnant woman to represent the fight against slavery in Guadeloupe; "The Woman with the Handbag", a statue of a Jewish-Polish woman hitting a neo-Nazi over the head with her handbag; "Dignity" a statue of an indigenous American woman receiving a star quilt; and "The Shoe" monument that honours the Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi who threw his shoe at US president George Bush.

Ahead, the histories of 12 incredible statues that are positive and educational reminders of our shared humanity.