Support Black business owners at 38th & Chicago
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The 38th Street Black Business Collective has been at the heart and center of 38th and Chicago prior to the unfortunate murder of George Perry Floyd Jr. and they desire to remain there long after! Like many of you we took a deep breathe as those 3 GUILTY verdicts were read just last week. We recognize that we still have 3 more officers to go in this fight for criminal justice for our brother George Perry Floyd Jr. so we’re awaiting those trials praying for the same guilty outcome as well.
38th and Chicago, recently renamed George Floyd Square, has always been home to some of Minnesota’s most burgeoning Black businesses. This intersection has been home to a thriving Black, community and cultural corridor. However, since May 25th, its reputation has evolved and will now forever be connected to the memory of George Perry Floyd Jr.
The Black businesses along George Floyd Square have suffered greatly. Lack of traffic down this once busy street has led to an unintended economic downfall for these businesses. As the community continues to hold space, it is imperative that decision makers consider the economic toll that has been paid. These once prospering Black businesses have seen great revenue loss. Justice is the ultimate goal, it should not come at the cost of losing one’s livelihood especially for these Black families. We must also fight for Economic Justice as well!
Another unintended consequence of the occupation of 38th and Chicago is the rise in crime that has had a profound effect on these business.
The 38th Street Black Business Collective includes these local favorites:
Smoke In The Pit, Inc. - founded in 1998 in MPLS, MN as a restaurant that dedicated Itself to the perfection of smoked meats and southern style side dishes. The owners; Dwight & Ivy Alexander, continue to cultivate their community presence through outreach and nonprofit events. Allowing passion to lead them; the Alexander's bring an array of expertise to the forefront of service.
Dragon Wok - South-side Minneapolis Asian eatery owned by Rashad West a 30 year old Black man, who moved his flourishing business into George Floyd Square in January of 2020. Rashad started his business in 2016 just a couple miles of his now location on 38th and Chicago now know as George Floyd Square.
Just Turkey - is one of the newest Black businesses located at George Floyd Square. The owners are Sam Willis and Cedric Steele are community members who grew up in south Mpls and bring a great deal of experience to the neighborhood and desire to be in the community for a very long time leaving a legacy for their families and help to bring economic stability to the community.
Urban Touch Boutique- own by Will Frazier who provides unfiltered and unconditional fatherly like love to all in the community has operated his business for more than 20 years. Urban Touch not only provides unique and edgy fashion retail experience they also offer clothing with a message.Urban Touch Boutique has been a supporter of this community long before the uprising and wants to be here long after just like the business listed above.
38th and Chicago, recently renamed George Floyd Square, has always been home to some of Minnesota’s most burgeoning Black businesses. This intersection has been home to a thriving Black, community and cultural corridor. However, since May 25th, its reputation has evolved and will now forever be connected to the memory of George Perry Floyd Jr.
The Black businesses along George Floyd Square have suffered greatly. Lack of traffic down this once busy street has led to an unintended economic downfall for these businesses. As the community continues to hold space, it is imperative that decision makers consider the economic toll that has been paid. These once prospering Black businesses have seen great revenue loss. Justice is the ultimate goal, it should not come at the cost of losing one’s livelihood especially for these Black families. We must also fight for Economic Justice as well!
Another unintended consequence of the occupation of 38th and Chicago is the rise in crime that has had a profound effect on these business.
The 38th Street Black Business Collective includes these local favorites:
Smoke In The Pit, Inc. - founded in 1998 in MPLS, MN as a restaurant that dedicated Itself to the perfection of smoked meats and southern style side dishes. The owners; Dwight & Ivy Alexander, continue to cultivate their community presence through outreach and nonprofit events. Allowing passion to lead them; the Alexander's bring an array of expertise to the forefront of service.
Dragon Wok - South-side Minneapolis Asian eatery owned by Rashad West a 30 year old Black man, who moved his flourishing business into George Floyd Square in January of 2020. Rashad started his business in 2016 just a couple miles of his now location on 38th and Chicago now know as George Floyd Square.
Just Turkey - is one of the newest Black businesses located at George Floyd Square. The owners are Sam Willis and Cedric Steele are community members who grew up in south Mpls and bring a great deal of experience to the neighborhood and desire to be in the community for a very long time leaving a legacy for their families and help to bring economic stability to the community.
Urban Touch Boutique- own by Will Frazier who provides unfiltered and unconditional fatherly like love to all in the community has operated his business for more than 20 years. Urban Touch not only provides unique and edgy fashion retail experience they also offer clothing with a message.Urban Touch Boutique has been a supporter of this community long before the uprising and wants to be here long after just like the business listed above.
Organizer
Alicia Smith
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN