Every day, I experience a reality that would confound and terrify many Donald Trump supporters. Roughly 80% of the businesses within a 500-foot radius of my home are Muslim-owned. And maybe more, depending on who owns the local Dunkin Donuts franchise. My neighbors are hardworking restaurateurs; deli owners; incense importers; and grocers. Many of them attend the mosque three blocks from my apartment. Sometimes my local deli owner stops to chat with my kids or offer them a piece of candy. More often, he’s ready to take care of the next customer.
One thing that’s struck me is that regardless of the day of the week or time of day, I’m most often buying beer or coffee or cough drops or dates or labneh from the same people. I work a 9-5; these people are in their stores 80 or 90 hours a week. This, after all, is the purest encapsulation of the American Dream. My great-grandparents worked from dawn to dusk on a dairy farm. These people work morning and night so that their children or grandchildren can experience life in a “free” society. Or so they thought.
I heard on Tuesday afternoon that Yemeni-American bodega owners would be closing their stores between noon and 8 PM Thursday and would be rallying at Brooklyn Borough Hall to bring attention to the human impact of Donald Trump’s Muslim ban. The ban has additional impact on Yemenis. Yemen is engulfed in civil war. Many Yemeni refugees have fled to camps in Djibouti or are trapped in limbo in a humanitarian nightmare in Greece. Some business owners in my neighborhood have brought their extended families to the United States, or have reunited with family over time. But for many, the estrangement from family is made even more dire by the heartless Muslim ban.
I expected a modest turnout at Thursday’s rally. This community keeps a low profile. Even in a relatively tolerant city, there are risks.
My wife took the banner photo before the rally was supposed to start. She noted how many people had brought American flags to the rally. I was able to stop by for about 20 minutes after work. By this point, Borough Hall was a mob scene.
First Amendment rights being exercised
Business owners repeatedly interrupted the Borough President to chant “USA!” The scene was festive, a bit defiant, and most disappointing to President Bannon, peaceful. I was disappointed to have to leave, but heartened as I walked towards the bus to see dozens of protestors swarming towards the scene.
After the election, we saw that Donald Trump’s nativism and populism had “activated” many white voters who might previously not have been considered “likely voters.” It is very heartening to see how quickly Donald Trump and President Bannon are now activating additional voters who will participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard.
Here is a link to a relevant Twitter hashtag. I have no doubt that you’ll find offensive tweets here. But you’ll also see some amazing and galvanizing photos.
