What is Black Oak?
Black Oak is an anarchist social space in Hamilton, Ontario. It aims to be a resource for anarchists in the area that we can actively shape to meet our needs. It is also a point of entry for those interested in anarchist ideas of direct action, mutual aid, solidarity, voluntary association, prefiguration, equality, and autonomy. The space can be booked for events that align with our values, and it also hosts regular drop-in hours for discussion and access to the book lending library, zine library and distro.
What is the space for?
Black Oak is for anarchists and those sympathetic to anarchist ideas. It is meant to be non-sectarian and open to anyone who supports its core principles, with the goal of furthering discussion across tendencies. The organizing collective respects the autonomy of those who use the space, although there are a few guidelines about what is and isn’t welcome.
Black Oak is an anti-authoritarian project. Groups that seek social change by taking state power should look elsewhere. This includes politicians and anyone espousing state communism or the ideology of a political party.
Black Oak is an anti-capitalist project. The space is funded by donations of time and money by those who want it to exist, and we do not charge for its use. We encourage events that are free of charge and where nothing is for sale. Bosses and landlords are not welcome.
Law enforcement agents (including snitches and collaborators) are not welcome in the space, and neither are working journalists. Any photography or recording in the space requires the active consent of everyone present.
Black Oak is rooted in opposition to white supremacy, patriarchy, colonialism, queer- and transphobia, and other forms of oppression. These structures are material, but are also reinforced by individual behaviours. We strive to create a space that does not reproduce these dynamics interpersonally and that contributes to struggles against them on a larger scale.
We ask that people not visibly bring or consume drugs or alcohol in the space. This is not out of some moral judgement, but is an attempt at accommodating both users and those in recovery. As well, please leave your pets at home.
Some Notes
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, both politically and interpersonally. We ask that people do their best to resolve conflicts that exist around the space themselves or with the support of their friends. The organizing collective is not intended to be a mediating body. If you really can’t deal with it though, the collective can be approached as a last resort. But we are not any smarter or better than you, so deal with things yourself if you can.
Accessibility
There is one step (5 inches high) to the front door, which is a “standard width” of 33 inches. During open hours and events, a ramp will be put out, however the door opens outwards. If you need any help, please knock on the door or front window and someone will come out to assist! There is a washroom on the main floor with a door 30 inches wide. Please note that while the washroom is reasonably large, it may or may not be accessible to those using some types of mobility devices.
Why “Black Oak”?
Black oak trees were once one of the most common and abundant trees in the area now covered by the lower city of Hamilton. The black oaks were good at surviving fires and also gave nutritious acorns as part of a savannah ecosystem. The oak savannahs here were maintained by the Chonnonton people (“the people who tend the deer”) for countless generations and supported some of the largest populations in the Great Lakes.
South-western Ontario is one of the most heavily deforested areas in the world, with about 98% of the forests having been destroyed. We named the space Black Oak as an act of both memory and imagination.