In the wake of George Floyd’s murder last summer, looting and fires damaged hundreds of businesses in the Twin Cities. Now that former police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on murder charges, worries about a second round of destruction have eased.
Business owners along Lake Street in Minneapolis are taking the plywood down from windows and heavy law enforcement presence has pulled out.
The restaurants, retailers and service shops that struggled to stay afloat over the past months are now looking forward to an easing of the pandemic, warmer weather and, hopefully, the return of customers. At the same time, nonprofit groups are increasing support for entrepreneurs of color and hoping to turn a recovery into a launch pad for building wealth in struggling communities.
At 11 a.m. Monday, host Angela Davis talks with nonprofit leaders and business owners about the challenges and early successes of rebuilding on Lake Street and elsewhere.
We also want to hear from our listeners. If you’re a business owner, were you affected by the Chauvin trial and the pandemic? What do you expect business to look like over the next few months? Call 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828 during the 11 a.m. hour or tweet @AngelaDavisMPR to join the conversation.
Guests:
Renay Dossman is president of Neighborhood Development Center, a nonprofit organization that supports small businesses, especially Black, indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs. NDC developed and co-owns Midtown Global Market on Lake Street near Chicago Avenue.
Allison Sharkey is executive director of the Lake Street Council, which provides financial, legal and other support for businesses.
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