SPOKANE COUNTY — Businesses across Spokane County closed their doors or modified operations Thursday as part of a nationwide general strike protesting recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
The demonstration saw some businesses shut down completely while others offered special promotions and donated proceeds to local immigration advocacy organizations. All participants acknowledged they were taking financial and reputational risks by making public political statements.
Great Harvest bakery posted on social media that it was joining the national movement by closing in solidarity with those protesting federal immigration policies. The post drew thousands of likes and messages of support from community members.
Other local businesses found alternative ways to participate while maintaining operations. Beans and Berries Cafe, a recently opened small business that couldn’t afford to close entirely, implemented a 15% cash discount for customers on Friday and Saturday to support the strike’s initiative to spend less on credit and debit cards.
“Being a small town with a big voice is really important right now. So being a small business with a big voice also felt pretty important,” said Gem Aragon, a barista at Beans and Berry’s Cafe.
The cafe is donating proceeds from the promotion to Manzanita House, a local organization that provides legal services for immigrants.
Wishing Tree Books on Spokane’s South Hill chose to remain open, with owner Janelle Smith saying the bookstore serves as a safe space for the community. However, the business still wanted to contribute to the movement.
“We still wanted to do something,” Smith said.
On Saturday, Wishing Tree Books and other participating bookstores will donate a portion of their sales to organizations supporting immigrant families.
“You just want to help in some way and, and especially being a bookstore, I think we feel like we’re kind of responsible to offer a space,” Smith added.
The businesses said their goal was to send a clear message that everyone is welcome in Spokane County, regardless of immigration status.
“I’m hoping that, if nothing else, we’re helping to start more conversations with folks in Spokane who aren’t as engaged with what’s happening across the country,” Aragon said.
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