A vigil on Willy Street
Plans change. I was having a picnic on a blanket before Concerts on the Square when protesters made their way to the Capitol. To quote a local florist in the 1200 block of Willy Street, “There’s no business as usual when a man was killed outside your doors.” Madisonians are mourning the death of Corey Ruiz to police violence, just a block away from where Tony Robinson was killed 11 years earlier.
Neighbors have rallied. As of this writing, the Willy Street Co-op’s east side location remains open, despite a street closure stretching from Few to South Dickinson. The co-op closed early on Wednesday, allowing employees to attend the protest. My colleague Erin McGroarty, who is covering the vigil, heard that the co-op offered organizers $500 worth of supplies from the store, and Ian’s Pizza donated pizza.
Other businesses remain closed during an ongoing vigil on the street. These include Green Life Trading Co., Grampa’s Pizzeria and Gib’s Bar (“we hope to be open as a gathering space for our neighborhood soon”) and Lily Forest Designs, at the corner of Williamson and Baldwin.
Tammy Schreiter, owner of Hatch Art House and Hazel General Store, confirmed that her stores remain closed. The Madison Greenhouse Store has reopened because of the living plants inside; the owner noted via text that St Vinnie’s across the street is closed. Further down the street, Meep Meepleton’s chose to stay open, to offer a place to “gather and mourn.” On my way home today, I spotted signs of solidarity in front of The Victory (“educate yourself”) and Harmony Bar & Grill.
Joe Loehnis, CEO of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, canceled last night’s concert in solidarity with the protesters. And the Madison Public Market has rescheduled its official opening day to July 29. “We are grateful for the compassion, patience and understanding shown by so many,” the market statement read…