Some Small Businesses Still Recovering From The Effects Of The Pandemic Could Use Your Help In Picking Up The Pieces Once Again.

Today marks the seventh day in a row of police brutality protests in Dallas. Thousands have gathered across the metroplex to call for justice in the killings of countless black lives by police, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Still, these peaceful assemblies have been clouded by some media outlets and complacent naysayers focused on a rowdy minority conflating the Black Lives Matter movement with looting. The looters don’t represent those who are protesting for change. 

Dallas small business owners, while hurt by the actions of looters, still support protestors and understand the actions of few do not represent those who are fighting for change. Many have reiterated that merchandise and windows can be replaced, but the lives of black Americans being killed cannot. 

AllGood Cafe and neighbors board up windows to protect from further damage due to protests on 5/29 and 5/30 at the corner of Main Street and S Walton Street. Photo by Victoria Crocker.

That said, these are still small businesses, not large corporations. They do not have the resources available to immediately restock merchandise or hastily repair damages. Target will bounce back much easier than the neighborhood restaurant down the street.

If any small business has indicated any form of fundraising, be it online or in-person, consider making a donation. If you aren’t able to support financially, follow the Dallas Mavericks’ lead and go out and help clean up glass from broken windows or board up windows to prevent future damage. Or call in some takeout — many restaurants are still offering pickup orders, even if they had to close their dining rooms. Especially black-owned businesses.

There is no such thing as too much support. Call these businesses or check their social media pages for reopening updates. See if they are partnering with other businesses to help with everything going on right now. 

Below are some of the small businesses that were hit, along with ways to support them through these times.  

Retail

  • Guns and Roses Boutique – A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses that insurance does not cover for this black-owned business. 
  • The Point Skate Shop – On Saturday, June 6, Testament Tattoos in Carrollton will be raffling off Point Skate Shop gift cards and will donate all proceeds from a tattoo flash sale to the shop. Additional information can be found on the skate shop’s Facebook page.
  • Dated. Faded. Worn. – An unopened, black-owned vintage store that took damage from looters and had to further delay opening. The rescheduled open date is set for August 16.
  • Wild Bill’s Western Store
  • Dallas PinUp – Boutique home to 20 female-owned businesses. Have already reached their Fundraising goal, but encourage people to donate to other Black Lives Matter organizations. More information on their Facebook page. 
  • Sneaker Politics – Deep Ellum sneaker store that had heavy damage and loss of display sneakers due to looters. 

Restaurants 

Open for dine-in, take out  and (or) delivery. 

Cover photo by Victoria Crocker.

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