Unwavering Resilience

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My name is John and I am trying to raise funds for a struggling local small business, more importantly my father, my family. He owns a tiny smoke shop in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia which isn't the best of areas.

The store was recently destroyed and looted. Now, you might have heard on the news about the Apple Store, Lululemon, Foot Locker, etc. that were also vandalized and robbed in the Center City part of Philadelphia. However, you probably have not heard about my father's store and others like him whose livelihood has been put on the line. As much of a tragedy it is for all the businesses that fell victim, the huge conglomerates whose brands we wear, use, and visit everyday will feel little effect. On the other hand, my dad's only source of income has now been severed. A local small business that was already struggling to survive.

The saddest part is that he will never ask for help. Maybe you all know this, but his generation of men, especially Asian men, are not known to ask for help as it's viewed as a sign of weakness. They have tremendous pride and putting on display that you are struggling and need help is shameful, regardless of the circumstances. When I spoke with him he told me, "Don't worry about me. As long as you're doing ok I'll be fine." even though I can sense the feeling of defeat in his voice.

At the height of the BLM movement, my mom's business along with so many other's at that time, were also vandalized and looted. At the time of these incidents, and even now as I write this, because their livelihood were so exposed, they stood outside the store, to "guard" them from further incident until they were able to board them up.

I do not have confidence in the insurance companies. They all seem to be your best friend and assure you that they are there to help when bidding for your business but as soon as they are called upon for real support they do everything in their power to look for ways not to pay up. Even if they do come through they are not going to recoup the loss of revenue in the coming days and weeks and the process is slow, cumbersome, and with little to no urgency.

My family still resides in the Philly area and I live in Miami. I selfishly feel somewhat helpless and wish I was there to offer better support but maybe this is a way that I can do just that. I am reaching out to family, friends, and anyone who is in a position to contribute. They don't even know that I am starting this Gofundme and might even be against it.

We have never been a family of means. My parents, like countless others, immigrated to this country, not speaking the language, little to no resources, and next to nothing to provide something better. They have worked endless hours and sacrificed entirely too much only to have to endure again and again. We do not have the best history and his track record is not exactly in the top of his class but if we refuse to help those who silently struggle then are we even helping for the right reasons - as if it isn't already hard enough...