Small businesses in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood are joining the growing list of establishments nationwide that will be closed on Friday in support of a national general strike against federal immigration enforcement. The decision was made by small business owners, including those at The Brewed Coffee shop and Sugar Moon, who felt compelled to take action after recent events.
The coffee shop's co-owner, Nick Mayor, stated that the decision to close was made after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 19-year-old American born in northwest suburban Streamwood. Mayor expressed frustration with the federal government's actions, saying "the stormtroopers of our government murder more innocent people in the streets than the alleged criminals they claim to be after." The shop's closure is just one part of a larger movement, known as the National Shutdown, which aims to raise awareness about immigration issues and push for change.
Mayor acknowledged that not all businesses will have the same decision-making power, but said that his shop could absorb the potential losses. However, he emphasized that the impact on immigrant families who are struggling under the current system is a significant concern for him and many others in the business community.
The movement to close businesses has gained momentum after recent violent incidents involving federal immigration enforcement in cities across the country. Other establishments in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, such as Firefly Fiber and Rooted Living, have also announced their closures ahead of Friday's strike. Meanwhile, some businesses are choosing to participate by making donations to immigrant rights organizations.
As one business owner noted, "Staying open allows us to support our staff and community," but decided not to close due to financial constraints. Instead, Del Sur Bakery in Lincoln Square plans to give 100% of its profits to the Illinois Commission for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, while Rattleback Records in Andersonville will donate 25% of its gross sales to the National Immigrant Justice Center.
The decision by small businesses like The Brewed Coffee shop highlights the growing divide between those who feel that immigration enforcement is a necessary measure and those who believe it disproportionately affects certain communities. With several hundred organizations endorsing the strike, the movement aims to spark conversation and push for change, as Mayor put it: "If we can do anything to prompt some conversation, spark any change in anyone's minds, then we're happy to participate 100%."
The coffee shop's co-owner, Nick Mayor, stated that the decision to close was made after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 19-year-old American born in northwest suburban Streamwood. Mayor expressed frustration with the federal government's actions, saying "the stormtroopers of our government murder more innocent people in the streets than the alleged criminals they claim to be after." The shop's closure is just one part of a larger movement, known as the National Shutdown, which aims to raise awareness about immigration issues and push for change.
Mayor acknowledged that not all businesses will have the same decision-making power, but said that his shop could absorb the potential losses. However, he emphasized that the impact on immigrant families who are struggling under the current system is a significant concern for him and many others in the business community.
The movement to close businesses has gained momentum after recent violent incidents involving federal immigration enforcement in cities across the country. Other establishments in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, such as Firefly Fiber and Rooted Living, have also announced their closures ahead of Friday's strike. Meanwhile, some businesses are choosing to participate by making donations to immigrant rights organizations.
As one business owner noted, "Staying open allows us to support our staff and community," but decided not to close due to financial constraints. Instead, Del Sur Bakery in Lincoln Square plans to give 100% of its profits to the Illinois Commission for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, while Rattleback Records in Andersonville will donate 25% of its gross sales to the National Immigrant Justice Center.
The decision by small businesses like The Brewed Coffee shop highlights the growing divide between those who feel that immigration enforcement is a necessary measure and those who believe it disproportionately affects certain communities. With several hundred organizations endorsing the strike, the movement aims to spark conversation and push for change, as Mayor put it: "If we can do anything to prompt some conversation, spark any change in anyone's minds, then we're happy to participate 100%."
I'm kinda impressed by these small business owners deciding to take a stand like this. I mean, they're not just closing up shop for the day, but it's more than that - it's about making a statement and using their influence to bring attention to an issue that affects so many people. 
It's amazing how one fatal shooting can spark such widespread outrage and action.
They're gonna hurt innocent people just 'cause they're trying to get ahead. I mean, who is a stormtrooper supposed to be again? The people are getting scared and that's exactly what these businesses want to do - make some noise! 
And yeah, it's not like the gov't is gonna stop, but at least we can try to raise awareness about this issue. I've got friends who are struggling with their visas, it's a nightmare out there. The closure of these shops might not solve anything but maybe it'll get some people talking. I'm all for supporting immigrant rights orgs, Del Sur Bakery is doing the right thing, 100% profit to charity? That's amazing! 
they're literally standing up for a cause they care about and its so inspiring! i mean yeah it makes sense that they'd want to close down on friday since thats when the general strike is going down, but like seriously who would've thought that a coffee shop would be leading the charge 
. anyhoo im all for supporting immigrant families and giving them a helping hand 
its not right that they're having to deal with all this stress and uncertainty just because of the govts policies. i wish more people would get on board with this movement and have some real conversations about immigration reform 
.
the owner of the coffee shop is so passionate about it, he's saying that our government is "murdering innocent people" 
i'm not even kidding, it's a real thing that's happening. and it's not just one coffee shop, like whole neighborhoods are coming together to make a statement 
i feel like this movement is going to spark some real change, you know? it's time for us to talk about the fact that immigration enforcement is messing with so many innocent people's lives 