If you’ve been on a social media break lately (and who could blame you), you might be confused as to why you couldn’t pop into your favorite coffee shop this morning, or why you can’t make dinner reservations at some of the most popular eateries in the city tonight. Many local businesses are participating in ICE Out, a nationwide day of action which calls for “No School, No Work and No Shopping.” The organized protest is a direct response to the ICE-related terror and violence in Minnesota, and is meant to be a demonstration which condemns the actions of the current administration and withholds funding from organizations that support ICE. You can learn more about the mission here.
Business owners and non-business owners alike are planning on making their way to the State House for the ICE Out protest. At 2 p.m. Rhode Islanders will leave their places of work, schools and homes to attend the protest, where speakers will take the microphone to denounce ICE. (Note: New Harvest Coffee will be in attendance and handing out free hot coffee.) If you can’t make the protest, consider not spending money today or only using cash for your local business purchases.
Here’s a list of some of the businesses taking part in today’s shutdown and could maybe use a little extra love and support in the coming days:…