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By now you’ve seen the photos of the crowd of Yemeni business owners and supporters massed at Brooklyn Borough Hall to protest President Trump’s travel ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. You’ve seen the signs of “BODEGA CATS GRAB BACK.” While all that went down, New Yorkers were leaving messages of solidarity on shuttered businesses.
Today, the outpouring continues. In the East Village, cultural organization Fourth Arts Block is inviting neighbors to fill out a card expressing thanks to local deli workers. “Let your guy know just how you feel about their awesome service,” reads the call for “much deserved gratitude.” Another photo shows the flowers, cash, and notes received by one business owner.
In Bushwick, artist Karmenife Paulino wrote on Instagram, “If anyone in Bushwick knows a deli that closed yesterday to protest, please let me know where they at cause today is payday and I want to hit them all up. New York City would be nothing without our local deli ppl.” Head over here to read all of her reasons why.
Here are some displays of solidarity from around the city, starting with Greenpoint.