News

Video From The NYC Bodega Protest Highlights The Power Of Unity

by Robert Anthony
REUTERS

The people of the world have not been quiet following President Donald Trump's executive order to ban the entry of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries into the United States on January 28.

That much has been made clear over the last week or so as many Americans, immigrants and people around the world have been protesting against Trump's controversial travel ban.

REUTERS

The latest protest and proper display of resistance took place in New York City when the owners of nearly 1,000 corner stores (also known as bodegas) closed up shop and took to the city streets to let their voices be heard.

REUTERS

Merchants left notes on their doors to explain why their stores were closed.

One of the signs read,

We will stand against Trump's executive order at 209 Joralemon St. Brooklyn, NY

And stand against Trump they did.

REUTERS

Another hand-written sign posted on a store door in the area read,

In support of our family, friends and loved ones who are stranded at U.S. airports and overseas, we are closing our business today.

The temporary ban, which is said to last 90 days, has sparked a mass outcry for change as Trump continues to use his power in harsh, unexpected ways.

Here's a video of the #BodegaStrike protests in Brooklyn, New York. This clip alone helps highlight the importance and power of unity.

Yemeni-born store owner Sulaiman Al-Audi spoke to radio station WNYC, saying,

We've been here over a decade, and we've never posed any threat to anybody. We're just here to make a living.

Audi is said to be working on getting documentation cleared so his wife and children can come to the US. However, due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the travel restrictions, he's uncertain about their future in America.

Debbie Almontaser, the organizer of Yemeni descent behind the massive bodega protest in Brooklyn, spoke to NPR, saying,

The message that the merchants are sending is that they are part of the American fabric and the Muslim ban has devastated them and their families. My brother-in-law's wife is still stuck in Jordan. She was awaiting her visa and now because of the ban she won't be able to join him and her children.

Overall, while times might be tough for many families, especially those hailing from the seven restricted countries, it's incredibly moving to see how many people on American soil have come out in support of them.

Silence is not an option.

Citations: New York City Bodegas Strike To Protest Trump's Travel Ban (NPR)