Rhode Island doughnut shop, Allie’s, has eliminated police and military discount due to racism and injustice.
What We Know:
- The popular doughnut shop in Rhode Island posted on their social media accounts the following message:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBIaDEHH5BJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
- The message from the well-known shop came after a local African-American firefighter, Terrell Oaci was racially profiled by police while he was in uniform. The police questioned Terrell Oaci and asked if he had a weapon. The police have denied the allegations.
- The doughnut shop’s decision sparked outrage with the community and many asked to boycott the small business.
The line for Allie’s Donuts is wrapped around the building this morning‼️
Many people are holding Black Lives Matter signs.
One woman standing on the corner is holding a sign that reads “Shame on you Allie’s” @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/NDkpiXCItx
— Kelly O'Neill (@kellyoneilltv) June 7, 2020
- Along with critics, other members of the community have praised the small shop for standing up for the Black Lives Matter movement causing them to support the small business and causing the Rhode Island doughnut shop to sell out.
- The North Kingstown police department in Rhode Island spoke out about the post and thought that it was divisive. They later comment about lifting the community and not tearing it down along with, “Police themselves aren’t the problem–racism is the problem”.
- The outrage comes after the numerous protest around the world against police brutality that claimed the recent death of George Floyd amongst past cases against African Americans.
- Allie’s doughnut owner, Matt Drescher spoke about the issue in a 14-minute Instagram video.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBJw4tAgrK9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
- During the video, Matt discussed that he just wanted to “take away a privilege from people so that we could all be equal” and wanted people in “power” and “influence” to acknowledge the injustices and to no longer ignore it. He encouraged people to stop passing “blame” amongst each other and to just “fix it”.
- The Rhode Island doughnut shop continues to be the center of attention and locals showed their support with signs that said “Black Lives Matter” and “End Police Brutality” along with proper social distancing.
The owner later expressed on social media that he meant no disrespect to people in uniform but, he just wanted to create equality.
