FLORIDA:

NEW ANARCHIST BOOKSTORE PROJECT:

As Molly has remarked many times before on this blog the anarchist movement today continues to spread and grow in a rapid fashion. Despite the decline of spectacular and futile "summit-hopping" the movement is putting down much more effective and mature roots in places that one would hardly have dreamed about a couple of decades ago. Here's a report and an appeal from yet another start-up, this time in Miami, Florida.

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Miami: Introducing The anarchist Black Mangrove Collective

We'd like to formally announce a new anti-authoritarian project located in Miami, Florida. The Black Mangrove Collective has been active for a few months now and we're working hard to open a Social Center/Coffeehouse/Bookstore where radical ideas can be exchanged and new projects can be nurtured. Many folks equate Miami with reactionary Cubans and the FTAA fiasco, but thus far we've had a warm reception in an emerging and growing radical community. We've been able to do some amazing things despite our humble resources, but to truly get off the ground, we need the solidarity of the anarchist community. We're initiating an online donation drive with a modest goal of raising $2500. Visit https://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/from-the-roots-funding-drive and help us foster a strong movement here in Miami. Thank you for any assistance you can offer.

Below is a basic description of what we're about and the projects we're working on:

The Black Mangrove Collective is a new organization dedicated to the task of nurturing a culture of activism, creativity and cooperation in Miami, Florida. We look to open up spaces, temporary or permanent, from which new institutions and new infrastructure can be built based on the principles of self-management, solidarity, and participatory democracy. By working closely with community members, students, activists, and allied organizations, we help build from below the society we wish to see. We aim to prove that indeed, Another World is Possible.

Coffeehouse Project:

Our primary project is the establishment of Miami's first workers' collective coffeehouse and bookstore. Managed by its workers, The Black Mangrove Coffeehouse will serve as a political, creative and cultural resource center for activists, musicians, artists, and those who just enjoy a good cup of joe. Besides offering quality fairly traded coffees, teas and foods, space will be provided for activities ranging from meetings and book clubs to workshops and knitting circles. The Black Mangrove Bookstore will specialize in titles not commonly found at the local chain store, including everything from radical theory to independent music to organic gardening.

Book Distribution:

While our hope is to eventually find a permanent home for our books and pamphlets, we look for any opportunity to table at local conferences, concerts, or events. Beyond books we plan to also extend our merchandise to include buttons, patches, art, and fairly traded crafts from around the world.

Event Programming:

With our growing network of local, national and global friends and allies, we have a valuable opportunity to bring an array of perspectives to the South Florida region. The Black Mangrove will host lectures, performances, art shows and workshops that will be sure to entertain, educate and inspire.

Grassroots Resource Center:

The Black Mangrove will work to develop a publicly accessible activism library and equipment rental program. Specifically designed for progressive organizations and individuals to utilize, the Grassroots Resource Center will seek to cultivate a cooperative system of resource, knowledge and skill sharing. We hope to make available valuable tools such as PA speakers, video projectors, podiums, Lexus Nexus services, and other items that can (and should) be shared for the benefit of all.

Questions?

Email the BMC at: info@theblackmangrove.com

Website Coming Soon!