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On Saturday, August 19, members of multiple white nationalist organizations are expected to descend upon Boston Common for what they’re calling a “free speech” rally, while thousands of counterprotesters plan to show up to demonstrate against the public display of what they term "the growing emboldenment of the White Nationalist far right and the ideologies they support."
Several local restaurants have released statements regarding the day’s protests and the country’s recent climate, and some are fundraising for various charities. This list will be updated if additional restaurants make similar announcements; email boston@eater.com if there’s anything that should be added.
Fundraising:
Blackbird Doughnuts (South End, Fenway)
On Saturday 8/19, 100% of our sales will be donated to the Anti-Defamation League + the Southern Poverty Law Center. We will also be giving away #sheetcake [a reference to a Tina Fey sketch]. Come by and enjoy doughnuts for a critical cause. Also, be safe.
[via Facebook]
Bukowski Tavern (Back Bay)
Needless to say, we're open today. All tips from Yoanna's day shift today are going to the ACLU. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/0SWDW6RQGP
— Bukowski Tavern (@bukowskiboston) August 19, 2017
Good morning to the wonderful communities we serve in #cambridge#lowell #salem❤️ @lifealivecafe we take pride in strengthening connections and creating an environment where all are embraced in our journey to spread love and pleasure! We look to the divine Goddess within ourselves first and then in each other to inspire and elevate. This weekend, we will donate $1 on behalf of every guest we serve to the Anti-Defamation League ❤️ like us, we know you too work hard everyday to take a stand against bigotry and intolerance of any kind #keepingbostonsafe #NoplaceforHate
[via Facebook]
Happy Friday, friends. It’s been quite a week. Today, we’re signing on just to say this: we denounce white supremacy, racism, and systematic oppression of all forms. We believe that black lives matter, and that it is absolutely necessary to speak out against intolerance. All day tomorrow (Saturday, 8/19), proceeds from every Double Awesome sold will go to the Southern Poverty Law Center to support their work fighting hatred and bigotry. We think multiculturalism and diversity and social justice are pretty awesome. Like our signature sandwich, they can also be messy, but that doesn’t faze us.
Some people are saying that restaurants should stay out of politics. But we're one of few minority-woman owned restaurants among our peers, operating in an industry that grapples with significant gender and racial inequality. Our staff is over 50% people of color, and over 50% women. We know from experience that it’s not enough to just "not be racist." We must speak and we must act. Silence would betray our commitment to anti-racism. It would tell our team that avoiding controversy is more important than they are.
So, come eat a Double Awesome tomorrow. This is a small token. We have much more to do. Stay tuned.
[via Facebook]
Papi’s Stuffed Sopapillas
There are no two sides about it--Nazis are bad. We're taking the terminators lead and will be donating our tips from tomorrow to the Simon Wiesenthal Center to help fight hate here in America. Come to Night Shift in Everett [Saturday] from 11am to 5pm and help support this cause. #terminatehate #stuffedbypapi
[via Facebook]
General Statements:
Ben & Jerry’s
Stand strong Boston. #fightsupremacy #bostonresist #Bostonfreespeechrally pic.twitter.com/Gq719FI3vF
— Ben & Jerry's Boston (@BenJerryBoston) August 19, 2017
Bin 26 Enoteca, Bogie’s Place, JM Curley, and Lala Rokh
Here at Bina Family Hospitality, we've never felt that it was our place to take a stance politically. We have always welcomed people into our restaurants no matter what their views might be. That being said, the horrible events that occurred last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia are bigger than politics. This is bigger than Republican or Democrat, left or right, conservative or liberal. This is about basic human decency. This is about how to treat your fellow man or woman. This is about how we're all equal no matter the color of our skin, religion, beliefs, or nationality. No one in this country, no one on this earth, is more superior than the other.
On Saturday, August 19th there will be a "Free Speech" Rally being held in the Boston Commons from 12PM to 2PM. Mayor Walsh is urging people to stay away from the Commons and from anyone involved in the rally. Some shops and restaurants around the commons have considered closing. If you decide to come to the area, please know that our restaurants will be open as a safe space.
We will not stand for racism. We will not stand for bigotry. We will not stand for hatred. There's no place for it at our restaurants. There's no place for it in Boston. And there's absolutely no place for it in our country.
We refuse to move backwards.
[via newsletter]
Bloc Cafe, Diesel Cafe, and Forge Baking Co.
For those heading to the Commons today for the counter protest, know that the Diesel, Bloc, Forge Baking Company family stands behind you. Be safe and smart and strong and kind. We will be here if you need fuel up before you head in. Spread love and avocados, not hate!
[via Facebook]
No hate allowed at BRED. Unless it's the Yankees or stupid Giants, we can hate them.
Posted by BRED Gourmet on Saturday, August 19, 2017
Fight supremacy, Boston!
Posted by Darwin's Ltd. on Saturday, August 19, 2017
We stand for peace #coexist
Posted by Frenchie on Saturday, August 19, 2017
Good Life
MAMA SAID DON'T BRING THAT BOOOOL SH*T IN OFF THE STREETS TONIGHT!!! #NoHate
Posted by Good Life Boston on Saturday, August 19, 2017
Thanks to everyone for going down to Boston Common to let nazis know they're not welcome here. Fuck nazis, eat ice cream. Defend Boston.
[via Facebook]
We won't tolerate hate in any way, shape or form. Period. If you are full of love for every race & every heart beating in this universe, then come into the bar and toast one another. We'll be here with open arms... #haleyhenrybar #unite #resist #onelove#trumpsucks #healwayswill #wewontbackdown#weneverwill
[via Facebook]
We're proud to serve you, #Boston. https://t.co/04Tb5nGvE1
— Intelligentsia (@Intelligentsia) August 19, 2017
The past week has been a horrific one for our country. Violence and hate has existed for as long as I know, and a whole lot longer. I imagine it will continue to for long to come. I wish it wouldn't. It will.
Hate in many forms has been normalized in a way I never thought possible though in the contemporary United States over the past twelve months.
I encourage anyone reading here to remain vigilant and aware and support positive actions whenever possible, as well as remaining open to protest and counter protest when needed.
Creative work, at least for me, is difficult under the conditions I see. I want to tell stories of celebration and progress. The work I do is fun. It's important to keep doing these things too.
Reject hate. Demand outrage from friends, coworkers, elected officials, and presidents. But also, be open to creating good work. If you feel anything about that, I'd be happy to hear from you.
[via newsletter, attributed to co-owner Josh Lewin]
Just a reminder today and every day
Posted by Lamplighter Brewing Co. on Saturday, August 19, 2017
Hoping for a peaceful day today.....#mrbartleys #harvardsquare #noburgersforyou #fightsupremacy
Posted by Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage on Saturday, August 19, 2017
Cheers to @bostonpolice for keeping everyone safe today during the events in #Boston pic.twitter.com/XcxXnUfGmE
— Sullivan's Tap™ (@SullivansTap) August 19, 2017
As the long time owner of the Chandler Inn and Studios & Trophy Room, I feel the necessity to acknowledge, honor, and respect the diversity and inclusivity of our staff, customers, and community.
Our business has always been predicated on these values.
Currently, our country seems to be going in the wrong direction: divided…not united; xenophobic…not inclusive.
We are stronger unified. Our diversity is our strength.
The recent violent demonstrations and this administration's response is unacceptable to me. In fact, the current leadership seems to be making it worse.
As a business owner, I feel that it is incumbent on me to speak out. As a white, straight male, I find it both disturbing and upsetting, that large parts of our society seem to be stuck in bigotry and are unable to see the privilege and responsibility of being in the majority.
In fighting to keep the spirit of diversity alive and creating an open environment; we must use our own diverse voices, to call out and combat such hate.
I pledge to continue…to recognize, support and celebrate the diversity of our community and stand with my staff in the daily promotion of these values.
Cliff
[via Facebook]
Saturday Closures or Altered Hours:
- The Ginger Man: May open later than usual; watch social media [via Facebook]
- Kane’s Donuts (Boston location): closed [via Facebook]