Someone broke the Anacostia Arts Center’s windows but not the spirit of the small businesses based there
In case you haven’t heard, the Anacostia Arts Center was vandalized over the weekend. For the first time in 16 years, someone broke out the storefront windows. Nothing was taken, but it was a setback for the black-owned businesses and artists based there. Last but not least, it’s a slap in the face to the greater Ward 8 community.
As someone who had the pleasure of working at ARCH, the Ward 8 nonprofit that brought the Anacostia Arts Center to life, I am outraged that some selfish and destructive person (or persons) would do such a terrible thing. When black and brown small businesses struggle to survive, they need support, not another reason to have to close, even temporarily. Luckily, the broken windows have been replaced and the storefront restored. That said, violations like these leave scars. So if you can, please visit the small businesses and creatives based at the Anacostia Arts Center and let them know you have their back and are happy to have them as a part of the community. Onward and upward, together!
I am including a note from Nubian Hueman, one of the minority-owned businesses at the Arts Center. Owner Anika Hobbs, eloquently expressed the negative impact that vandalism has on small businesses like Nubian Hueman:
“If you’ve ever been to our Washington DC store, then you know how the building facade is stretched with at lease eight 12 foot high, sun lit windows. On Monday morning I walked up to the building, ready to tackle the day, only to find glass shattered EVERYWHERE and the building team working feverishly to clean and board up the now fully open cascade of broken windows and doors. With a couple bricks and a fire extinguisher placed to the side as evidence, it was clear someone had intentions to cause havoc and mayhem to the building that houses not only Black-owned businesses’ but our livelihoods and dreams.
Luckily, none of the businesses were damaged (whew…praises) as our security system was in full effect. Of course insurance is made to cover occurrences like this, but as a loyal customer noted, that doesn’t make this moment any less traumatic. How could someone do this one week before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday? These are the days small businesses live for; where we put our very best foot forward in hopes our customers find great value in what we have to offer.
Needless to say, we’re alright. If you roll through and the building is boarded up, please come in. It’s crazy how incidents like these can change the course of a business at the snap of a finger. But one thing that will not change is Nubian Hueman’s commitment to serving you, our NH Family. So we keep it pushin’ and brush a little glass off our shoulders because we have AMAZING holiday gifts and goodies we’d love to share. Be sure to hit us up or come through and take advantage of these sales!
”