October
October Open Hours Sunday October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1-4pm
Drop in for chats, coffee and tea, to pick up something new from the distro, or to browse the library!
Reading Hours Thursday October 2, 6-8:30pm
Have you been meaning to browse our library, look closer at our zines, or just sit down with a book? Come read and relax with us for Reading Hours – A dedicated time for quietly reading at Black Oak.
Noodle Arms: QT+ Self Defense Wednesday October 8, 7-8pm
For people who don’t think they could fight their way out of a wet paper bag. These classes will have a dedicated focus on street & swarming tactics. Please arrive early; space is limited.
Herbal Medicine for Climate Chaos and Late-Stage Capitalism Thursday October 9, 5-8pm
An urban plant walk with Registered Herbalist Ember Peters
Our health cannot be separated from the earth that nourishes us. The growing epidemic of chronic illness is deeply entwined with a disconnected culture, degradation of the earth and the effects of systemic oppression. In this time of unpredictable weather disasters, the rise of fascism, a degrading healthcare system, and the normalization of over-work, herbal medicine can be a part of empowered healthcare that connects us with our own bodies, each other, and the lands we inhabit. In this workshop, we will explore core philosophies of an ethical and effective approach to herbal medicine, and we will meet abundant wild plants that can offer us support in these times.
Ember Peters (they/them) is a clinical herbalist and educator based in Bridgetown NS, unceded Mi’kmaq territory. They are the founder of Wild Current Herbalism and co-founder of the Maritime School of Holistic Herbalism. Ember has been teaching herbal medicine and practicing clinically for over a decade, with a focus on chronic illness and transgender herbal care. Ember recognizes community based holistic health as a tangible step towards collective and individual liberation and resilience. Ember is a Registered Herbal Practitioner with the Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia (HANS). For more information visit: www.wildcurrentherbalism.com
Writing New Worlds Wednesday October 15 & 29, 7-9pm
Writing New Worlds is a bi-weekly meet-up for anarchist and anti-capitalist creative writers. These sessions will be a space where we can break the rules of form while we engage with ideas like mutual aid, direct action, and solidarity.
It’s Revolution or Death – Film Screening & Discussion Friday October 17, 7pm
It’s Revolution or Death is a three-part video series imagined by anarchist author Peter Gelderloos and brought to life by the anarchist video collective subMedia.The series exposes the myths perpetuated by states and greenwashing corporations, shines a light on movements around the world resisting ecocidal industrial capitalist projects, and provides viewers with a framework for fighting back and getting prepared for the climate crisis in their own communities. Working together, turning differences into complementary strengths, and creating diverse networks worldwide gives us the best chance at building resilient communities capable of surviving the extreme weather events and food shortages that climate change is already starting to throw our way.
Approximate runtime: 80 mins – English & Portuguese, with English subtitles
Board Game Night Wednesday October 22, 7-9pm
All are welcome to stop by for a social board game night at Black Oak. Bring a friend or come on your own to maintain or make new connections. There will be coffee and tea and light snacks, feel free to bring some to share.
Rioting: Some Reflections on its Value to Struggles Tuesday October 28, 7pm
A lot of anarchist energy goes into riots — even when not actually in the streets, riots are something anarchists prepare for and even hope to cause. For some, they are a step towards a broader insurrection, a site of political and practical growth, and the ultimate way masses of people keep power in check. For others, riots are adventurism or dead-ends or at least greatly overrated. This is an event to talk about riots. There will be a short (15 minute) presentation followed by an open discussion.