Local Businesses Donate Profits to Aid Immigrants

SYRACUSE N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — Last Friday, Parthenon Books held an Anti-ICE strike.

During their store hours, 50% of all sales were donated to the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network.

Ann Duddy, co-owner and manager of the store, claims that as a small business, being active in the community is essential.

“It’s more than just being sort of a social media warrior,” says Duddy. “Get out there and do something.”

Duddy also recognizes that it may be harder for small businesses to speak up about important social issues. However, Duddy says it is important to consider how larger businesses are behaving during times of social turmoil.

“Home Depot allowing ICE to come in, Spotify putting ads out to hire ICE, that sort of thing. We need to be focusing on what the corporations are doing because if they’re closed for a day, it’s not going to hurt their bottom line, ” Duddy said. 

Duddy outlines how this pattern does not apply to situations in which smaller businesses speak out and voice their opinion.

“If a small business is closed for a day or they give donations,” Duddy describes, “they end up having to take on more than just speaking up.”

Parthenon Books’ donations follow the outward support of the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network by other local businesses.

Reporter: Katie Jamroga