PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Business owners in the Phoenix metro area are closing their doors Friday to support the “Ice Out of Everywhere” movement that began in Minnesota.
Audrey Corley, owner of Title 9 Sports Grill in the Melrose District, said she is participating in the national strike that calls for people to avoid work, school and shopping.
The night before the planned closure, local community members and business owners met outside Title 9 to say they want ICE out of their neighborhoods and chanted “no more ICE.”
“I have nieces and I have goddaughters and I have family that it affects. It affects all of us, right. I wanted them to see that sometimes you have to take a stand even at a high cost because even though it’s a financial loss to us, I think there’s a greater loss to humanity if we continue on the path we’re on,” said Corley.
Corley said she and her employees met to discuss Friday’s closure and all wanted to take part in the national strike. She said she cannot afford to close, but is doing it anyway.
People in Minnesota participated in similar closures days ago, despite the financial impact on businesses.
Corley said she is already receiving messages from people saying they will no longer bring her their business. She said she is okay with losing customers who do not believe in what she believes is right.
Chris Bianco, owner of Pizzeria Bianco, said his restaurants will remain open but will donate a portion of profits to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Wijaya House, a bookstore in Tempe, will welcome people into the store to write postcards to their representatives. Changing Hands bookstore is closing its locations while still paying employees. Literally, a bookstore in Gilbert, said it will be open as a “third space” for people who want to hang out.
A march to the Arizona State Capitol is scheduled for Friday afternoon. Some business owners and their employees plan to attend.
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