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How "A Day Without Immigrants" Is Being Observed Around L.A.
Thursday's "A Day Without Immigrants" boycotts and strikes are underway across the nation. Immigrants from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles are not showing up to work today in demonstration of how fundamental the continued contribution of immigrants is to our nation. Furthermore, businesses across the country are showing solidarity by closing for the day.
In Los Angeles, famed Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza is closed today in observance of the protest. "To those who feel silenced we say: don't be afraid, be strong," a tweet by the restaurant reads.
Guelaguetza will be closed tomorrow 2/16/17 in observance of a day without an immigrant pic.twitter.com/ZuvEHGNeGE
— Guelaguetza (@LaGuelaguetza) February 16, 2017
Chinatown's Endorffeine coffeeshop will also close today. "In support of A DAY WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS, we will be CLOSED TODAY (THURSDAY, FEB 16th, 2017)".
The Albright on the Santa Monica pier will be donating a portion of their profits to the ACLU today.Pok Pok in Chinatown, will be donating profits from this weekend to the ACLU.
Eater LA has a list of the many restaurants participating in "A Day Without Immigrants."
LAUSD Chief of Staff Alma Pena-Sanchez called staff and students around the district last night asking that all show up this morning. "While we respect everyone’s right to have their voices heard and to participate in civic action such as protest, all students and staff are encouraged and expected to come to school," her message stated. "...I urge students and staff not to disrupt learning by participating in protest or walkouts during the instructional day."
According to NPR, Hilda Solis, an L.A. County Supervisor, stressed the importance of today's protest. "It's incumbent on us to be brave, which we're prepared to do," Solis said. "To step up; to say to him, not in my house; not in my county; not in my state."
"LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis says immigrants, regardless of legal status, contribute 40 percent of LA County's gross domestic product: almost $300 billion a year," NPR added.
The ACLU of Southern California also posted a message on Twitter listing rights for anyone protesting today:
Protesting today as part of the #DayWithoutImmigrants? Know your rights. pic.twitter.com/UpyAHxW3ua
— ACLU SoCal (@ACLU_SoCal) February 16, 2017
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