Staying open, standing together: How local businesses are supporting the nationwide shutdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Dozens of Richmond business owners are standing in solidarity with a nationwide shutdown today, in response to deadly immigration enforcement-related incidents in Minneapolis.

The strike calls for a day of no school, no work, and no shopping. However, some local businesses say closing their doors today wasn’t financially possible, after last weekend’s snowstorm.

"There’s a general strike that’s being participated in across the country," said Adam Musselman, owner of Cobra Burger. "Locally, there are quite a few businesses participating. But not all of us can,” one business owner said."

Musselman said he and many other owners wanted to participate in the shutdown, but could not afford to lose any more business after last weekend's winter weather. This includes Kind Hearted Goods owner Tippy Tippens.

Instead, Tippens, Musselman, and dozens of other local business owners are taking a stand in a different way.

"We decided to do a donation of sales to the Richmond Community Legal Fund," Tippens said. "And then we're also participating in a raffle with a lot of other businesses around the city."

The raffle includes donations from dozens of local stores, from restaurants to tattoo shops to hair salons. Proceeds will go to an organization supporting immigrant families.

"It's a really terrible time that people are facing," Tippens said. "It's scary to go to the grocery store, just all of these basic day-to-day things people aren't able to do right now."

Musselman said Friday's shutdown is symbolic for people to take a stand against recent immigration enforcement activity.

"We care about our neighbors, we don't want families separated, we don't want people shot in the street, and we want them to stay out of this city. I hope it [the shutdown] gets that point across," he said.

Cobra Burger is also accepting physical donations to support immigrant families and those who work with them, Musselman said a list will be posted on their social media soon.

Tippens said the raffle prize packages range from $300-$500.

If you would like to participate in the raffle, click here.