Thousands of people are walking out or closing their businesses from coast-to-coast on Friday to stand in solidarity with cities like Minneapolis.
That includes local businesses in Missoula.
Restaurants and stores along the Hip Strip went dark, along with a handful of other businesses across town.
Many of the businesses posted their closures online.
Business owners say it’s a chance for them to use their economic power to send a message.
Some local establishments are open on Friday and many plan to donate their proceeds to organizations such as Soft Landing or groups that are aiding Minnesota efforts.
Beyond business closures, student activism joined Missoula’s solidarity with Minneapolis on Friday.
About 20 Sentinel High School students and supporters staged a walkout demonstration, leaving their classrooms with signs in hand. Students chanted “ICE OUT” as they protested federal immigration operations, adding their voices to a community-wide movement standing with Minneapolis.
– information from Robyn Wayne included in this report.
