How a Room Full of Computers Became a Catalyst for Change
Ah! I remember the moment I typed ‘sudo apt install’ for the first time. I was trying to install Linux on my old Pentium III and thinking it was going to explode. I was just a kid back then, trying to figure it all out.
Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an incredible journey into technology. I often wonder if I would even be a programmer today if I had never been to hacklab.
Hacklab! The hacklab at rampART was not just a room filled with computers; it was a community space that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and activism. It was a creative hub where technology enthusiasts, activists, and curious minds came together. They shared ideas, worked on projects, and explored the endless possibilities of technology.
The sense of community at rampART was palpable. We weren’t just individuals working on our own projects; we were part of something bigger. It had the spirit of collaboration that defined rampART — a place where everyone was welcome to learn, share, and grow together.
Located in the heart of Whitechapel, London, rampART served as a social center where individuals from various backgrounds came together to explore technology and its potential for social change. I have rewritten the history of RampART, in more literal terms, in my article: “RampART, the unbreakable spirit of the East.”
The atmosphere of hacklab used to be electric, filled with creativity and a sense of purpose. Whether it was through workshops on software installation or discussions about digital rights, the hacklab embodied the spirit of hacktivism — using technology as a tool for change.
The hacklab at rampART was a small but powerful reflection of the larger hacktivist movement happening in London during the early 2000s. It provided a welcoming space for individuals to engage with technology while advocating for social justice. This connection to hacktivism was clear in the projects that emerged from the lab — many focused on using tech to make a difference and build community.
In the hacklab, individuals could learn valuable skills like coding and digital design, shared knowledge, tackle social issues, and support one another in their tech journeys.
Being part of this community not only deepened my understanding of tech but also showed me how powerful it can be when combined with a commitment to social justice. The hacklab at rampART truly represented a microcosm of the broader movements happening around us. I think it proved that technology could be a catalyst for positive change in society.
A lot happened in that place — so much that it feels like something out of a hacker movie. There were thefts, espionage, and plot twists that kept everyone on their toes. One day, I hope to capture my rich experiences at Hacklab in my book, which I might publish one day. It’s a tale worth telling.
The hacklab at rampART shaped my journey in technology and activism. It provided me with resources, connections, and inspiration that continue to influence my work today. As I look back on those days, I’m grateful for the experiences and friendships forged within those walls.
Among the many interesting characters who frequented rampART was a hacker known as “Guano.” I’ve been searching for him for a long time because I want to show him my work and ask for his blessing. If you’re reading this, brother, please reach out to me. I promise to keep your anonymity.
You too, if you have any memories or stories from rampART or its hacklab, I would love to hear from you! Together, we can celebrate this unique space and keep its spirit alive.