 "Photo: Courtesy of Christopher Titus")
The thought of Anarchy is something that sparks fear in the minds of most people. Anarchists have taken the bad wrap as rebels and threats to society but the October 15 Anarchist Collective down on Cherry Street are fighting for a cause that has nothing to do with the “Molotov cocktail throwing anarchy that people usually think,” said member of the Anarchist Collective Wesley Flowers. In fact, the Collective fights for a compassionate cause that is beneficial to the entire community without any threat or rebellion.
The October 15 Anarchist Collective is a group dedicated to defending people in the community who are not getting proper defense, such as unjust foreclosures on local homes.
“A lot of people mistake anarchists for being very far off liberalists but it’s really more about being conservative rather than liberal,” Flowers said. “If you need something done, do it yourself. Don’t have someone do it for you. That’s one of the most primitive ideals in the human community. We’re about awareness in the community, keeping people in their homes and strengthening the human condition.”
The Collective opened up its community project on February 1, 2009. The Black Cherry, was established to “provide militant protection for people who need protected,” said Flowers. The Black Cherry was opened as a friendly public space from what was originally a vacant building on Cherry Street. The Collective bought the building outright, reshaped and renovated it and turned it into a coffee shop, food pantry, community performance space, community gardening space, barber shop and local hang out.
“When we got the building, it was completely different,” said Lance Crandall, Collective member and co-proprietor of The Black Cherry.
“We tore down a few walls, ripped out the carpet and renovated the basement,” Crandall said.
The basement of The Black Cherry is currently used as a community performance space where artists may reserve the area and host concerts and events such as punk rock, ska and electronic shows. No alcohol is sold at The Black Cherry, they make a strong effort not to encourage drinking irresponsibly. Most events are very little cost or free with small donations accepted.
The Black Cherry proudly sports one of the last original latte machines still used across America, which the offer at a very affordable price. They currently serve coffee’s and have a community area filled with books and local art work. The Black Cherry plans to soon open as a food pantry where canned food and hot meals will be made available for low/no cost. Their goal is to help those in need with inexpensive food, work opportunities and a comfortable place to socialize.
“We will be one of the only food pantries in the area providing food at bare minimum price and we also accept work trade,” Flowers said.
The October 15 Anarchist Collective represents something that is jarring to the stereotypical view of anarchy. They are about community strength and equality via strategic and militant actions. The Collective movement and The Black Cherry are positive influences on the Toledo community. They welcome any and all people who are curious about or want to participate in the movement.
Serving coffee and providing a hospitable social atmosphere is not all that the Collective tries to pursue. They are also a group of strong social activists who work hard for what they believe in and the empowerment of the community.
The Black Cherry is open as a coffee shop and community performance space but plans to be up and fully functioning by mid-August.
“We are going to be an info shop organizing hub for anyone into Toledo who wants to learn about the movement,” Crandall said. “Its funny that the term ‘Anarchist’ is usually bastardized because we’re actually about taking action toward community growth.”
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