Seattle Businesses Unite for National Business Blackout Day: A Stand Against ICE Actions and Support for Immigrant Advocacy
Seattle businesses are joining a nationwide economic protest called National Business Blackout Day. The event encourages people to skip work, school, and shopping for one day to apply economic pressure and raise awareness about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. The website nationalshutdown.org is promoting the event, with over 1,000 organizations in 46 states participating.
Participating Seattle businesses are taking different approaches. Some are closing for the day, while others are staying open but donating a portion of their proceeds to immigrant advocacy and legal defense organizations. Businesses across various neighborhoods, including Capitol Hill and West Seattle, are participating in this peaceful protest.
Businesses like Pegasus Book Exchange and Meeples Games in West Seattle have announced full closures for the day. Others, like West Seattle Grounds and Thunder Road Guitars, are donating a percentage of their sales to organizations like the West Seattle Food Bank and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Restaurants and coffee shops are also contributing to regional fundraising efforts related to the shutdown.
Several Seattle businesses have shared their participation through statements and social media posts. In addition to business involvement, student walkouts are planned at schools like Lynnwood High School and Auburn Riverside High School, with varying timing across campuses. The protest aims to make a statement and support immigrant rights causes.
In conclusion, Seattle businesses are uniting with others nationwide for National Business Blackout Day to protest ICE actions and support immigrant advocacy. The diverse participation from businesses and schools in Seattle reflects a collective effort to raise awareness and apply economic pressure for a cause.