For many years, our big city was desperately in need of an activist community that involved people under the age of fifty. Thankfully and finally, a few young Miamians have begun tending to the growth of their own movement. The Black Mangrove Collective is located just north of downtown and works to cultivate activism and creativity, right here in the tropics.
Patrick Walsh, Melissa Wallen and Jacob Coker-Dukowitz are dedicated to the cause of dedicating people to causes and giving them tools to make the world look more closely like the picture they have in their heads. The BMC is working from the ground up to get locals caring about politics and grassroots organizing, because, honestly, it just feels so good to know how powerful you are as a citizen in the U.S.A. If we learned nothing else from Als Franken and Gore, every vote really does count; every voice will be heard.
The Collective is working to establish a workers’ coffee house and bookstore which will serve as a center for activists and artists, selling progressive books and hosting events that encourage community. These three young locals aren’t just idealists, they actually are making a difference through example and by educating people on participatory democracy, because what’s democracy without participation? Tyranny.
The BMC uses their warehouse to host events that foster the arts, activism and community. This Saturday, there will be a somewhat less political event at the space, a dance party, featuring video art by the TM Sisters and Chris Video and music from local favorites such as Jose el Rey. For budding activists reading for a revolution, drink prices will top off at $4, which sounds pretty radical.
The party takes place at 138 NW 37th Street.
