Steven Englander, Influential Leader of ABC No Rio Community Space, Passes Away at 63
### Steven Mark Englander: A Legacy of Activism, Art, and Community Building at ABC No Rio
Steven Mark Englander, a steadfast pillar of activism and the arts on New York City’s Lower East Side, passed away at the age of 63 on December 12, 2024, from complications related to a rare lung disease. Englander’s life and work stand as a testament to the intersection of grassroots activism and artistic expression, most notably through his leadership at the iconic art collective and nonprofit, ABC No Rio. Over decades marked by struggle, resilience, and collaboration, Englander’s efforts not only defended a vital cultural space but also fostered a sense of community rooted in inclusivity, activism, and creativity.
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### **From Chicago to New York City: A Journey Into Activism and the Arts**
Born on June 11, 1961, in Chicago, Steven Englander spent his formative years in Racine, Wisconsin. He moved to New York City in 1980 to study film at New York University, a decision that would soon intertwine his life with the burgeoning alternative arts scene of the Lower East Side. Immersing himself in activist circles, Englander participated in anarchist and libertarian groups like the *Black Eye* zine, the Libertarian Book Club, and the Anarchist Switchboard. These experiences laid the ideological groundwork for his future endeavors at ABC No Rio, an experimental art and activist space operating since the early 1980s.
Englander was first introduced to ABC No Rio in 1987 through Matthew Courtney’s Wide-Open Cabaret, where his anarchist writings often found voice in open-mic performances. Known for its fearless embrace of nonconformity, ABC No Rio was a haven for art collectives, punk musicians, zine creators, and activists—an ethos that resonated deeply with Englander.
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### **ABC No Rio: A Lifelong Commitment to Collective Activism**
Englander’s association with ABC No Rio began sporadically in the late 1980s but became central to his life in the following decades. His collaborative spirit and keen sense of fairness made him a natural leader. Englander first served as a temporary director in 1990 during Lou Ancierno’s travels, later sharing co-directorship until 1991. However, it wasn’t until 1994—when the organization faced significant threats of eviction from the city—that Englander emerged as its steady hand, ensuring the space would endure as a platform for radical ideas and grassroots activism.
Under his leadership, ABC No Rio navigated turbulent waters, from organizing eviction defenses to managing internal challenges. In 1997, Englander became the nonprofit’s sole paid staff member, a role he approached with tireless dedication. From his modest office on the building’s top floor, he oversaw operations, including fundraising and program coordination, while always remaining accessible to volunteers and visitors. His office, sandwiched between a computer lab and a silkscreen print shop, embodied ABC No Rio’s unique blend of activism and creative chaos.
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### **The Fight Against Eviction and Preserving a Cultural Landmark**
A defining chapter of Englander’s tenure was the prolonged battle to save ABC No Rio’s physical address at 156 Rivington Street. Faced with the threat of displacement, Englander’s organizing skills proved indispensable. By mobilizing a coalition of artists, activists, and community supporters, he helped secure the property from the city for the symbolic sum of one dollar—albeit with the caveat of raising funds for renovations. This victory highlighted not only Englander’s aptitude for community organizing but also his commitment to ensuring that independent, non-commercialized art spaces could survive in a rapidly gentrifying city.
“Steven had this ability to make everyone feel heard and respected,” said Seth Tobocman, a longtime collaborator and squatter rights activist. “He was the glue that brought diverse people together under a common cause.”
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### **A Life’s Work Intertwined With Family and Activism**
In 1995, Englander’s professional and personal lives converged when he met Victoria Law, a writer, photographer, and fellow ABC No Rio activist. The couple’s partnership embodied the collective’s spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Together, they worked on the organization’s board and were instrumental in spearheading its transition toward owning and renovating the Rivington Street property.
Even as ABC No Rio went into a form of “exile” in 2016—temporarily vacating the deteriorating building and scattering facilities across the city—Englander’s commitment never wavered. Despite his declining health from a rare lung disease, he remained deeply involved in the nonprofit’s operations and plans for its future site. In August 2024, groundbreaking commenced on a new four-story building for ABC No Rio. Expected to partly open by mid-2026, the facility represents the culmination of Englander’s