The first post you can find on Instagram of the activist group 304ARMY was posted on December 17, 2020 as a call to action against the construction of the new I.C.E. Facility on 106 Acres of sacred land in Ionia, Michigan. The photo campaign was utilized to draw attention to the “impact on the lives of our neighbors and their families; and the environmental damages it will incur on sacred land.” Throughout Detroit there are many that have joined the HOE ARMY in shining light on a variety of issues including the detainment efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Reproductive Justice, Racial Justice, Social Justice, Class Justice, Sexual Liberation and Woman’s empowerment.

As “a grassroots organization in support of a culture of sex positivity and pertinent calls to action,” HOE ARMY creates images, produces merchandise and holds events to raise money and rally support for individuals and various mutual aid organizations including The Voix Noir ², Moratorium Now ³, Birth Bruja ⁴, The Senate Theatre ⁵, The Bowen Branch Library ⁶, Rapid Response Detroit ⁷, Angry Tias ⁸, Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center ⁹, RAY GRAY ¹⁰ and Christine Turner ¹¹. Their efforts to support community individuals and organizations are ever expanding and take the form of NSFW photo series, wet t-shirt contests, pin up girl calendars, sales of t shirts and face masks, bake sales, drive-in movies and car washes. In addition to raising thousands of dollars for people and organizations in Detroit that are experiencing tough times due to the pandemic, and of course, the systemic oppression of The Man, they actively show solidarity by sharing important information to help spread the word about issues in the city and abroad.

June 5, 2021 was the most recent FUCK ICE car wash with the focus on the abolition of the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. This event was located on Breckenridge in Detroit, a desolate street just North of 1-94 and just west of Grand River avenue. This area resembles a country road with foliage overgrowth, a giant dead tree and just a couple houses on the block. It very much sets the tone for this Detroit car wash, as this vacant-ness and free growth of the wild natural plants are complemented by the beautiful cars that are ever so prevalent in a Detroit summer. Regular promotion prior to the event attracted many types of vehicles including conversion vans, luxury cars, vintage cars, classics, motorcycles, lawnmowers, bicycles, scooters... The HOEs were ready to spray and wipe down each and every ride that came up with the levels of care they would treat their own, while enjoying the sunny day and hanging with their fellow warriors in attendance. In addition to the car wash taking place along the street, there was an open field donned with tents sheltering food vendors Sisters on a Roll Cafe ¹², HOE ARMY merchandise and DJs Ayinde Zuri, Justin Walker & Johnnie Prey who provided quality funk, rock and disco for the HOEs to wash cars to. The event later evolved into the Gemini Bash with music by Unabomb, Astro Band, Dusty Rose Band, DJ Vinde Zuri, DJ Justin Walker and DJ Johnny.

The insight and information shared by the HOE ARMY activist group since they were founded out of their frustrations with ICE and The Man presents a militant will to show solidarity and engage in mutual support efforts throughout the city of Detroit. Please follow them and show some support by attending their inventive events or donating to their cause when you can.

@304ArmyDetroit

1. @304ArmyDetroit. Instagram, Published May 27, 2021. Accessed June 6, 2021. https:// www.instagram.com/p/CPYiMnmDP5t/