Chicago Small Businesses to Close as Nationwide Strike Against Federal Immigration Enforcement Hits Home.
In a show of solidarity with families torn apart by federal immigration enforcement, several small businesses across Chicago's Avondale neighborhood are shutting down on Friday in support of a nationwide general strike.
The Brewed Coffee shop, which typically serves 300 cups of coffee, is set to close its doors as the owners decide to join the movement. Nick Mayor, co-owner, says his business can afford the loss but feels compelled to participate in a nationwide conversation about the brutal tactics used by immigration authorities that have claimed two American lives in Minneapolis.
The decision comes as hundreds of organizations across the country are endorsing the National Shutdown movement, part of a larger grassroots push to combat what proponents call a "tyrannical system." Mayor believes that even if business owners don't expect immediate change from politicians, the act of standing together sends an important message about the need for meaningful reform.
"We're not expecting miracles," he said. "But we want to send a message where we can – that something needs to change."
Not all businesses are able to take the same drastic step, with some opting to donate their profits instead. Del Sur Bakery in Lincoln Square will give 100% of its proceeds to immigrant rights organizations, while Rattleback Records in Andersonville plans to contribute 25%. These small acts of solidarity reflect a growing sense of outrage and frustration among Chicago's business owners.
While the closures may cause some inconvenience, the owners are clear about their motivations. "We're able to absorb the cost," Mayor said. "But for others, it won't be the same."
In a show of solidarity with families torn apart by federal immigration enforcement, several small businesses across Chicago's Avondale neighborhood are shutting down on Friday in support of a nationwide general strike.
The Brewed Coffee shop, which typically serves 300 cups of coffee, is set to close its doors as the owners decide to join the movement. Nick Mayor, co-owner, says his business can afford the loss but feels compelled to participate in a nationwide conversation about the brutal tactics used by immigration authorities that have claimed two American lives in Minneapolis.
The decision comes as hundreds of organizations across the country are endorsing the National Shutdown movement, part of a larger grassroots push to combat what proponents call a "tyrannical system." Mayor believes that even if business owners don't expect immediate change from politicians, the act of standing together sends an important message about the need for meaningful reform.
"We're not expecting miracles," he said. "But we want to send a message where we can – that something needs to change."
Not all businesses are able to take the same drastic step, with some opting to donate their profits instead. Del Sur Bakery in Lincoln Square will give 100% of its proceeds to immigrant rights organizations, while Rattleback Records in Andersonville plans to contribute 25%. These small acts of solidarity reflect a growing sense of outrage and frustration among Chicago's business owners.
While the closures may cause some inconvenience, the owners are clear about their motivations. "We're able to absorb the cost," Mayor said. "But for others, it won't be the same."
just wondering if all this strike stuff will actually lead to any change 
gotta feel for those small biz owners having to close up shop tho 
the 100% donation from Del Sur Bakery is a nice gesture 
hope more people start talking about real reform instead of just using it as a PR stunt 
they're showin solidarity with fams who are goin through some crazy stuff and its amazing that they're willing to take a stand even if it means losin some cash 
i feel 4 them owners tho, its so brave of them 2 take a stand even if it means losin money 
. and btw, del sur bakery donting 100% of their profits 2 immigrant rights orgs is literally a great idea 
for all the families who've been through hell because of immigration enforcement. I'm so inspired by small businesses in Avondale stepping up to show solidarity 
- it's not just about closing their doors, but sending a message that change needs to happen 
.
, but some owners are taking it upon themselves to contribute to good causes 
. Del Sur Bakery is giving away 100% of its proceeds? That's like a major act of kindness 
! And Rattleback Records' 25% contribution? Small but still mighty 
.
? Either way, I think we should all take a moment to appreciate these small businesses for taking a stand 
. They might not be the ones writing laws or running government policy, but they're showing us that everyday people can make a difference 
.
. I mean, The Brewed Coffee shop can afford to close, but Del Sur Bakery and Rattleback Records might struggle a bit more... that's just reality, right? 