Let me first start with a strong statement. It has come to my attention that some of my customers who have had their bikes stolen want to find names, want people arrested. Some other protesters who were standing in front of my shop when it was initially broken into and subsequently looted into have offered information to me regarding the looting. I have a first-hand witnesses account of what happened and when, but I will not accept anymore information than that.
Looting is a symptom of much larger issues at play. The hopelessness and despair, the anger and hurt, the fear and vulnerability you feel as a result of the events that took place Saturday night into Sunday morning at my shop and all around Richmond are the same feelings some black communities may feel everyday.
This anger that is spilling into the streets is taking a heavy toll on small businesses, but you and I went home on Saturday, on Sunday, and last night, and every night you are able to read this. George Floyd did not go home.
I hope you drop the anger and hate. The protests and unfortunate looting that are unfolding are the symptoms, not the cause. More hate and more anger, more arrests won't bring your bike back, make you better, or make you whole. Giving respect and love will make you better and whole. Listening and understanding to the issues will make you better and whole. Blocking the negativity won't just make you better and whole either, it will make everyone better and whole.
And if you ever start to feel a little bit of anger or hate, remember you went home last night and George Floyd did not go home.
