Communities coming together for their people is one of the most American things you’ll witness. This is exactly what businesses have been doing across the U.S. during city ICE operations. From blocking ICE from their businesses to offering their services to those in need, so many businesses have stepped up and shown their true humanity. One of these businesses is a little restaurant in Minnesota that was there for protestors in their time of need.
Sade (@sadeinthecities) frequently shares travel and food experiences from cities across the U.S. She lives in Minnesota and highlights restaurants around Minneapolis, where tons of immigrant-owned businesses reside. A specific restaurant that serves brunch to Minnesotans, called Copper Hen, recently opened up its doors in the sweetest way. They did so to show solidarity to protestors.
After the death of Alex Pretti, it’s safe to say that Minnesota is rightfully on edge. Copper Hen decided to open its doors this past weekend, but not for its regularly scheduled Saturday brunch. Instead, they opened their doors to care for protestors. They have been dutifully standing out in the cold and protesting on Pretti’s behalf during these uncertain times. Copper Hen took in protestors who were tear-gassed by ICE, opening its doors to show respect for all humankind. That’s a big step for a business, and it’s so appreciated when you never know who’s on your side.
In Sade’s video, she pans around the outside of the restaurant, where a free hot coffee bar is set up so protestors have something warm to drink when they’re out in the cold. Inside, she shows a new perspective: An entire community getting warm and sitting at tables. They sit there, talking with friends and enjoying some food and drinks. It’s a way for people to gather together as a community and warm up after hours of protesting in the cold.
One commenter stated, “I had a 3 month work contract in the twin cities and I love MN. I love to see the community come together but it also makes me cry that you have to go through this.” Another mentioned, “Watching the community help and support each other gives me so much hope on these very dark times.”
