DORCHESTER – Ten years ago, after having grown up conflicted and distraught in Savin Hill, Lev Bryant, 33, left behind all that he knew and drove “aimlessly” until he settled in Tampa, Fla., in search of a better life. Today, the humble, bearded man finds himself back in Dorchester, living in a religious commune, finally having found peace within himself and in his environment.“Until five years ago, I was sure there was nothing to live for,” Bryant said. “I thought there was no point in getting married or having kids. Now, I think the opposite.”
Bryant says that his newfound comfort goes beyond his beliefs in God because he has discovered love. Growing up, he had never experienced anything significant; he had no close personal relationships with friends or family members – he was a lost soul.
Bryant is now happily married to Yahanna Bryant and is the proud father of an 11-month-old boy named Asher. He works full time at the Common Ground Café on Dorchester Avenue, which the members of the community built and operate themselves.
“He’s awful nice for growing up in Dorchester,” Nezer Al-Dokhi, the café manager, said in jest. Al-Dokhi, 26, is one of 30 people who live in the community with Bryant in an old Victorian house on Melville Avenue.
Everyone in the house has a role to fulfill, from cleaning the dishes to repairing the roof. Selfishness does not exist – neither in their actions or thoughts. Bryant’s wife, for instance, is responsible for home-schooling all of the children in the community. She says that Bryant is the house headmaster.
“We work for fun,” says Bryant. “There are a lot of needs in the house – we keep plenty busy. I don’t believe in ‘free time’.”
Some residents grew up in the Boston commune or in one of the many branches that exist across the world. Others, like Bryant, discovered the community during a troubled period of his or her life. Residents come from various religious backgrounds, so the commune does not adhere to one specific religion. Rather, the members share similar religious beliefs. Helping and loving others are the foundations of their beliefs.
The members of the community vary in ethnicity and age. Many of the younger members cherish his company and are inspired by his charisma.
“He writes the funniest songs ever!” Shomeret Johnson, a student of his wife, said. Johnson, 10, has grown up in the house her whole life.
“I talk to him all day about my problems and he always has answers,” says co-worker and community member Sarah Johnson, 19, originally from Chicago. “He’s so wise.”
The community house on Melville Avenue resembles the community of Dorchester itself. It is a melting pot of individuals from all corners of the globe. In a neighborhood rumored to be so tumultuous, Bryant and his community members have managed to find peace.