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How "A Day Without Immigrants" Is Being Observed Around L.A.
Photo By David McNew/Getty
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)".
Sponsored message
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:
Sponsored message
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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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