*Exploring Anarchism: An interview with Deejay

My long time friend DeeJay is one of the founders of the Los Angeles Anarchist Bookfair and the Southern California Anarchist Conference. Although he is no longer involved in the bookfair, he is currently involved in teaching operational/offensive security, Pentesting and OSINT. He and I explored his involvement in the anarchist community in Los Angeles. DeeJay introduction to anarchism began in middle school, around the 8th grade. At that time, there were gang members and taggers, but a small collective of them became intrigued by anarchism through punk rock and the skateboarding scene. They were called the “Anarchist Hackers”—a group of nerdy kids drawn to the ideals of anarchism and activism but initially lacking substantial knowledge. For them, anarchism was more associated with punk rock’s rebellious spirit than its practical application. He explained that initially, anarchism in this context seemed more like an element of chaos within skateboarding and punk rock, rather than a fully developed ideology.

Over time, as DeeJay matured, he delved deeper into various anarchist organizations and tendencies, ultimately aligning with the Southern California Anarchist Federation. This federation was a network of diverse chapters across Southern California, including areas from South Central LA to Santa Ana and Long Beach, and focused on labor, housing, workers’ rights, and police oversight.

When the federation disbanded, one of its surviving entities was the Cop Watch Collective, dedicated to monitoring police activity and educating people about their rights. DeeJay then became involved in the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities (RAC), which aimed to focus on organizing communities of color. The RAC sought to foster spaces for decolonization and build cultures of resistance while promoting self-reliant communities. For DeeJay, anarchism represents a broad and flexible concept rather than a rigid or authoritarian ideology. It symbolizes a way of life where one neither rules nor is ruled. His interpretation of anarchism includes principles of collectivism, cooperation, and communalism, drawing from indigenous and African traditions that existed before the advent of states and governments.

Anarchism, to him, is about fostering relationships with peers, family, and community in a way that challenges centralization, authority, capitalism, patriarchy, and ableism. Although achieving a fully anarchistic society may be challenging, striving towards it is crucial. As someone of African descent, DeeJay experience aligns with a tribal, anarchistic approach where social circles operate independently of external authority.

Responses to Criticism of Anarchist POC Spaces: In response to criticism
from some white anarchists about creating separate spaces for anarchists of color, DeeJay emphasizes the importance of these spaces for people who have experienced colonialism and systemic oppression. As a person with both African and European heritage, he understands the necessity of creating environments where people of color can discuss and heal from the impacts of colonialism. These spaces allow for unapologetic dialogue and healing, regardless of how others may perceive it.

Evolution of the Anarchist Bookfair:
The anarchist bookfair, first organized fifteen years ago, was a collective effort that grew organically without a central structure. The event evolved from grassroots
mutual aid and was reflective of LA’s local politics. Featuring various anarchist tendencies, the bookfair was shaped by the diverse backgrounds of its orga-
nizers, primarily anti authoritarian people of color. It became a reflection of the world the organizers wanted to create and live in, marking the first event of its kind in L.A.

Ashanti Alston speaking at the L.A. Anarchist Bookfair

Michael D. McCarty with Black Panthers at the L.A. Anarchist Bookfair

Challenges and Generational Gaps:
The reasons for the departure of some original organizers varied. Some focused on personal lives, others had disagreements, and some felt that the bookfair alone wasn’t enough to contribute to cultural resistance. Criticism has arisen about the lack of knowledge transfer to the next generation. New organizers, influenced by
movements like Occupy Wall Street, brought different approaches to organizing the bookfair. Unfortunately, there were challenges in effectively bridging generational gaps, an area that requires more critical attention.

Indigenous and Decolonial Events:
Years later, DeeJay helped organize a decolonial gathering at the Cielo Art Gallery in South Central LA. This event aimed to bring together individuals who had experienced colonialism to discuss and practice decolonization. As someone with
both West African and European heritage, he recognizes the parallel experiences of losing native languages and traditions. The gathering sought to move beyond theoretical discussions and focus on practical applications of decolonial principles.
The bookfair and similar events play a crucial role in building a community committed to resistance and cultural transformation.

Anarchist People of Color Panel at the Southern California Anarchist Conference
with Francheska, Joaquin, Dee-Jay and Irina