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Demonstrations on Juneteenth

June 18, 2020

We have heard from a number of you that restaurants and small businesses have been contacted by ROC-DC to participate in the Strike for Black Lives taking place tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth.  To be clear, this is not an effort organized by ROC, but rather by various organizations locally and nationally calling for businesses to show solidarity and shut down businesses from 9am-7pm while still paying employees.  

As always it is up to each of you, as business owners, to decide how you choose to participate or not in this form of activism, understanding that observance and support can be demonstrated in various ways.  

As we recognize the significance of Juneteenth which commemorates the day the last enslaved people were informed of their freedom, we are also mindful of the extreme fragility within your establishments financially and operationally as you have had to close and reopen along the way.  In this instance, whether you choose to remain open or close, we want to make sure you have the best information and are fully aware of events happening throughout the region as demonstrations continue.  

Click here for more information on tomorrow’s events.  

The exact location of demonstrations is unclear, however it is likely most activity will take place from the Capitol Complex through Downtown and past the White House. Some streets may be closed to allow for First Amendment demonstration activities to safely continue. Sign up for alertdc.dc.gov to get up to date information.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out at info@ramw.org.  

In the meantime, be safe and be kind. 

Best,

Kathy