Local Businesses Affected by Riots Need Support

Last updated on September 27, 2020

June 2020. A protester throws tear gas canister back at police during a Black Lives Matter protest in Portland, Oregon. People have been protesting police brutality and the deaths of several members of the Black community – sparked by the recent death of George Floyd. Photo by Tito Texidor III on Unsplash

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.

MINNEAPOLIS – Seven years ago, immigrant Luis Tamay opened his restaurant, El Sabor Chuchi. For ten years, he worked hard to save enough money to open his restaurant. He was well known in his community for his Encebollado.

For the first few nights of the riots, Tamay guarded his restaurant. However, he stayed home one night to abide by the curfew and assumed the National Gaurd will protect his town.

That night, he was horrified to see El Sabor Chuchi inflamed and called 911 for help. By the time he got to his restaurant the next morning, it was burned to the ground along with neighboring establishments. Because the quotes for the neighborhood were too high, he was unable to afford insurance. The father of two was already working hard to pay his employees and other bills.

“There’s the freezer right there; the kitchen was right there,” Tamay said, pointing as he climbed the pile of rubble. “Seventeen years of work is gone.”

This story was originally published in the Star Tribune

Small businesses across the nation are being drastically affected by looters and rioters. Restaurants are being set on fire, retail stores are being looted, and small establishments are being vandalized. In response, my charity will enter a partnership with Astreetwear to raise money for businesses that have been looted and do not have the financial means to support themselves.

To raise money, we have started a Gofundme fundraiser to help businesses in disparity. Please donate anything you can and share the fundraiser with people who may be interested.

While it is true that massive cooperations have the means to rebuild stores and compensate workers, hundreds of small businesses desperately need donations to survive the impact of these riots. These small businesses have families to feed and obligations in communities. The least we can do is donate to help them return to normalcy.

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken