SouthEndStrong

There will be time tomorrow to Monday morning quarterback about who is to blame, what could have been done better, why Greensboro, why South End, where to go from here, and all.

But for now, right now, the morning after, I need to focus on the businesses of South End, that magical space where so much hope for our city has been residing for the past few years. A place where our community came together to work, eat, drink, window-shop, and walk the streets smiling and nodding at one another.

Fans of South End know that just a few short years ago there was not much to smile about on South End and that a very unique group of pioneers came together to make space for shops and workspaces galleries and restaurants. Folks like Laura, Gina, Jenn, Dan, Eunice, Karen, William, Evan, Kathryn, Andrew and Bill, Nancy, Zack, Andy, Jim, Nick, and so many others have given literally years of their lives to chase and realize the South End dream. Early mornings and late evenings on the streets of South Elm were beginning to feel diverse, creative, optimistic, and safe. It was beautiful, both physically and spiritually, to spend time there.

This morning South End is waking up to new challenges. At least 17 businesses suffered smashed windows and some looting late last night after a peaceful and legitimate protest by hundreds of folks had taken place for most of the evening near the municipal building. We watched with hearts breaking as Brian Clary from Triad City Beat covered it on foot in real time. And then this morning we saw close up the reality of the looting through some of Woody Marshall’s photos in the News and Record.

Let me remind you that even in the “good” economy of 2019, these businesses faced constant uphill battles. Folks didn’t want to walk across those railroad tracks, they didn’t want to look for a parking space, they didn’t want to go out in the rain. Then came the crushing blows of cancellation of basketball tournaments and postponement of the opening of the Tanger Center. Then the shutdown due to COVID19. Then the competing with the big businesses for government assistance. Finally, the setting in of uncertainty of the very real health risks that are keeping folks from going out, spending money and enjoying the delights of our city.

Why try to damage these South End businesses… the candy store, the vintage shop, the cat rescue, the art gallery, the cafe that employs disabled staffers, the athletic shoe shop, the skate shop, the unique design store and the beauty school…why why?

These South End business owners are primarily folks that support the protests. They are discussing solutions and action steps for our broken system of justice. Read their Facebook posts. They care. The irony of this is overwhelming.

I am hearing that folks have come out this morning to help South End sweep up glass, board up broken windows and offer moral support. This is a very good start.

So now for the ask. We MUST support these shops, and all independent businesses, right now. Many (most?)are not going to survive. So if you care, show your love. Send them a message, buy those gift cards, shop small virtually, encourage our elected leaders to focus on helping them. There are so many ways!