The Bodega Strike in Images: Thousands in Brooklyn Refocus Attention on Muslim Ban
(Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo)
Fahd Al Fakih: Fahd Al Fakih was one of more than a thousand bodega owners in Brooklyn (bodega owners from other boroughs joined in, too) who participated in yesterday’s bodega strike. Al Fakih, owner of King Star Convenience Store and another Brooklyn business, shut his store at noon as an act of resistance to draw attention to the devastating effects of the Muslim ban on New York Muslims.
Those effects aren’t abstract for Al Fakih, who was planning to fly to Yemen on February 10 to visit his mother, who he has not seen since he arrived in the U.S. in 2010. Now, he will not be leaving, as he is afraid he won’t be able to return. His hope is that the bodega strike will show everyone who Muslims “really are, not how we are portrayed on media,” he says.
(Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo)
Brooklyn Borough Hall: Thousands of Brooklyn Muslims and #BodegaStrike-#NoMuslimBan supporters gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall in the evening, with an imam leading prayers and a number of politicians, including borough president Eric Adams, public advocate Letitia James, and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and comptroller Scott Stringer offering speeches of solidarity. Attendees filled the steps of Borough Hall, as well as the plaza.
(Photo by Francisco Collazo)
“DeportTrump”: Attendees carried printed and homemade signs, some of which read in Arabic, but most of which read in English.
(Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo)
Peace: Another handmade sign summed up the overall tone of the rally, which one reporter on twitter described as “the most overtly patriotic” protest she’d ever attended.
(Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo)
Prayer on Yemeni flag: A group of men share space on the Yemeni flag as they pray in front of Borough Hall.
(Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo)
In prayer: The crowd prays in front of Borough Hall. Non-Muslim allies stand in solidarity.
(Photo by Francisco Collazo)
US Flag: US flags were a visible presence throughout the rally, with participants not only carrying flags, but many also wearing flag-adorned scarves and knit caps.
(Photo by Francisco Collazo)
US and Yemeni flags: Many participants carried Yemeni and US flags, reflecting their identities as immigrant Americans.
(Photo by Francisco Collazo)
Women of the Bodega Strike: Women were also in attendance at the #BodegaStrike rally, many carrying hand-lettered signs protesting the Muslim ban.
You can continue to support New York City bodega and other business owners affected by the Muslim ban—who shut down operations yesterday to participate in the strike—by continuing to shop with them whenever possible.