Black Blocs for Dummies

Black blocs have been in the news often in recent years as militant protests grow against capitalism, the state, and war. This series of web pages attempts to explain what black blocs are, who does them, their history, and how to do organize one. There are also many misconceptions out there about black blocs, which we will try to address.

A black bloc is a collection of anarchists and anarchist affinity groups that organize together for a particular protest action.The flavor of the blackbloc changes from action to action, but the main goals are to provide solidarity in the face of a repressive police state and to convey an anarchist critique of whatever is being protested that day.

Black Block FAQ

What is a black bloc? Is the black bloc an organization? Why black blocs? Are black blocs just for anarchists? How did black blocs originate? Does the black bloc promote violence? Why do black blocs attack the police? What is "unarresting?" Why does everybody wear black? Do you have to wear black?

Black Bloc Calls and Texts

N30 Black Bloc Communique (Seattle 1999)

Do you have more pictures?

Yes, click here.

What are some common anarchist criticisms of the black bloc?

For starters, check out Jim Bray's (Working)Start of Critique of Black Bloc Technique.

I'm a journalist who would like to talk to anarchists. Who can I contact?

Please send an e-mail to chuck@mutualaid.org

Further reading?

"The Subversion of Politics: European Autonomous Social Movements and the Decolonization of Everyday Life" by George Katsiaficas (Humanities International Press).