"Churches Plan Ferguson 'BUYcott' To Support Area Businesses"
http://news.stlpublicradio.
http://news.stlpublicradio.
This article highlights a
positive community response to the negative violence that has impacted
area businesses in Ferguson, Missouri. Two main St. Louis area churches
have come together to initiate a weekend
of "BUYcott," encouraging Ferguson community members and out-of-towners
to shop a local area businesses. This stands in stark contrast to other
individuals who have called to boycott businesses in Ferguson,
seemingly as a protest against racism and police
brutality in Ferguson.
In a season where so much
media attention is given to the needs and shortcomings of Ferguson, it
can be difficult for the strengths and assets of the community to shine
through. Initiatives such as these should
be talked about more and seen by the rest of the world looking in on
Ferguson. Ferguson residents seem to know the power in coming together
during times of tragedy and taking the negativity in their city as
opportunities to do more good and serve their neighbors.
I really loved this
article because I had coffee with a 4th generation Ferguson community
member today who said that she and her friends have been trying to eat
at Ferguson restaurants every day since the death
of Michael Brown. She said owners of businesses have been really
hurting for lack of business that has come with a negative stigma due to
living in Ferguson. This is something I hadn't thought much about
previously, and is a great reminder to think about everyone
involved and impacted in the midst of high-profile news.
Thanks,Susanna, for sharing the article. I hope it was a successful event. It's good that the faith community is showing support for Ferguson and I like the idea that two different congregations coordinated the event. I'll have to check and see how it all turned out.
ReplyDeleteGreat article and great idea from the churches who organized this to help Ferguson business owners out. I have really struggled with understanding the looting and destroying of businesses. I feel terrible for the business owners who have worked hard to develop a restaurant or store only to see it be destroyed. It is sad that this has happened and I hope the turnout was more than they hoped for. This is also a great idea to promote the good in the community and encourage residents and others to continue to visit Ferguson. An event like this also shows that there are people not only in Ferguson, but in the surrounding communities that care and hope to bring a more positive outlook onto the city of Ferguson once again.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Susanna. It’s good to see so much positive involvement going into the Ferguson community from outside sources. This type of gesture only helps to empower the community, residence and business owners and bring about the positive change that is needed and desired in this community. I also hope that it will be a successful turn out and allow for some things in the community (such as regular business) get back to normal. The involvement of community members and outside resources shows the Ferguson neighborhood that many people really care about the overall well-being and justice for the black community.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this article Susanna. You are right often the positive aspects of Ferguson are not being highlighted the way they should be. I went into the Ferguson coffee shop this month and overheard some customers taking about the coffee shop and other small business closing because of lack of funds in the recent months. This is something that we definitely should consider because they should not have to suffer because of the negative attention that Ferguson is receiving.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! When I first drove through Ferguson after the burning of the QT, my thoughts were how terrible I felt for all the businesses that were forced to shut down. I am so glad that these churches came together to help people who are suffering in their businesses. I like what Twylaa said as well about this empowering the community and bringing positive change. I think this is definitely a way to help bring the community together and bring positivity to the city of Ferguson.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I think it is interesting that none of these positive articles are publicized by major news outlets. I'm glad churches in the community set this up. Like Ali, I felt horrible for all the businesses in the area who were damaged or forced to shut down. I am glad someone is taking a stand and trying to show these businesses how appreciated they are to the Ferguson community
ReplyDeleteI agree with Maggie on this. Of course we as social workers are usually aware of these initiatives/ groups, but that's because we go seeking them out. The majority of the public aren't being delivered this information, like they are the rioting, looting etc. Bitterness poisons those around you, and I'm sure positivity will produce more positivity! We need more articles like this.
ReplyDelete