More than just four city streets—Maple, Ash, Farmer, and Wilson—MAFW is a neighborhood born from radical ideas and expression.
Known for its artistic and anarchist values, these 4 streets in Tempe, so-called Arizona, make up the neighborhood (MAFW) which we call home. Anarchists have been active in this neighborhood going back to at least the year 2000 when Gentle Strength Co-op was still in existence, serving as a staging ground for the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. There, the co-op operated as an infoshop, free market, and coordination center for local actions.
Unfortunately, this radical eventually momentum died out. The co-op shuttered. The “prominent” anarchists in the neighborhood moved away. MAFW, in the anarchist sense it was known for, was reduced to a mere online presence.
Our name is a nod to the local anarchists that came before us, as well as a promise to water, nurture and grow the roots they left behind. As Indígena living north of the imposed border, we recognize a disconnect between Western anarchism and the stolen land we reside on. We hope to mend this by building community solidarity that deeply respects the Tohono O’odham and Piipaash, the rightful stewards of the land Tempe occupies.
We stand in solidarity with new life blossoming out of MAFW, and recognize tenant unions, armed community defense, and other radical actions as part of the neighborhood’s undying anarchist spirit.