Initially, many were skeptical that the January 30th shutdown would have a large effect. The call for action was first issued by the University of Minnesota Somali Student Association and the Black Student Union. The shutdown has been embraced by many activists and leftist groups such as the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Celebrities like Arianna Grande and Pedro Pascal also told their millions of followers on social media to follow the shutdown, helping spread the virality of the call to action
However, Payday Report’s Strikes, Shutdowns, and Actions Tracker is showing signs that the shutdown is likely to affect hundreds of businesses across many cities. Our map shows that the January 30th Shutdown is already affecting hundreds of businesses and schools across the country.
As efforts build for a General Strike, with many large groups focused on calling for a general strike on May Day, events like the January 30th Shutdown, while lacking the backing of major organizations, show that there is a real organic desire among some for the Shutdown.
Payday will provide updates throughout the day, but wanted to provide an initial update on some remarkable things that we have discovered in our tracking. We expect to see dozens of actions based on the initial reports that we are already finding.
Grey’s Anatomy to Stop Filming for January 30th Shutdown
According to both Variety and Deadline, sources close to Grey’s Anatomy production say that the show will shut down out of respect for the January 30th Shutdown call. The influence of Hollywood celebrities could lead to more high-profile shows shutting down when mass calls to actions are made.
Gainesville, Florida Businesses to Shut Down
In Gainesville, scores of businesses are expected to shut down to show their solidarity with the January 30th Shutdown call to action. From the Gainesville Sun:
Businesses that have announced they will be closed on Jan. 30 include Humble Wood Fire, The Lynx Bookstore, Serpentine Plants + Provisions, and Afternoon Restaurant. Boca Fiesta plans to close for lunch service in support of "our community" but will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. that evening.
Humble Wood Fire Pizzeria located in South Main Station announced on social media on Jan. 29 that it and its bagel shop in the 4th Ave Food Park be closed in support of the protest.
"In a small act of solidarity, both of our locations will be closed tomorrow in support of the national days of action to resist against ICE and the evil policies of this administration that jeopardize us all," the post says.
With Mae Powell's "F*** I.C.E" playing in the background, The Lynx bookstore's Jan. 28 Instagram story says it will close in support of "our neighbors" in Minnesota.
For more, check out the Gainesville Sun.
Over 100 LA Businesses Shutdown
In Los Angeles, over 100 businesses and institutions are expected to shut down in solidarity with the January 30th Shutdown. (LA Taco has a great running list of all the businesses that are expected to shut down)
Some businesses, rather than shutting down, have pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds to immigrants’ rights causes.
Among the institutions in Los Angeles that will be closed Friday is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
“This decision is made in recognition of calls for a nationwide pause and with consideration for how scheduled demonstrations in Downtown Los Angeles may affect access for our staff and visitors,” MOCA wrote on IG.
Chicago Restaurants Respect Call for Shutdownl
In Chicago, scores of restaurants are expected to shut down to respect the January 30th Shutdown. Supporters of the movement say that the shutdown will help mobilize many to participate in larger shutdowns.
The Brewed Coffee shop, which serves over 300 cups of coffee a day, in the Avondale neighborhood, said that it would respect the call for a shutdown.
“If we can do anything to prompt some conversation, spark any change in anyone’s minds, then we’re happy to participate 100%,” Brewed Coffee owner Nick Mayor told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I don’t think anyone who’s participating imagines that [President Donald] Trump or [Border Czar Tom] Homan are going to have a change of heart about their agendas, but I think the most impactful progress that could be made is just kind of having conversations.”
For more, check out the Chicago Sun-Times.
Aurora, Colorado Public Schools to Shut Down
The Aurora, Colorado School District, which serves over 38,000 students, is shutting down today out of respect for the January 30th Shutdown call. The school district, which has a high population of Venezuelan immigrants, has suffered greatly under ICE raids.
“This decision has been made to ensure the safety, supervision, and quality of instruction for our students,” Aurora School District Superintendent Loría wrote in a statement. “We understand that schedule changes can be inconvenient, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause to your plans.”
For more, check out Chalkbeat Colorado.
Alright folks, that’s all we have for now, but will update later in the day. Please, send tips and updates to melk@paydayreport.com
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