Actions speak louder than words, and during a time where racial tensions are at an all-time high, two local businesses are taking action to use their words for change.
As some have noticed in recent days both the Bourbon Cowboy at 605 Commercial and Do B’s at 704 E 12th Ave have recently transformed their marquees into calls for action. Bourbon Cowboy owner Susan Brinkman recently placed on her marquee the words, “George Floyd, say his name,” in honor of the black man who was killed under the knee of a white Minneapolis Police Officer on May 25.
Brinkman says when she came up with the idea to place the message on her marquee she felt a slight sense of fear for what the potential response could look like for her family and her business. However; she says ultimately she knew displaying the message was the right decision.
Brinkman’s actions inspired Do B’s owners Darren and Leslie Bontraeger to follow suit with a sign that currently reads, “the new normal should be equality, truth, freedom and peace.” Bontraeger says with the recent developments which have occurred across the country following Floyd’s death he could not stand by and simply watch.
Bontraeger feels that historically when events such as the death of Floyd occurr, there is too much emphasis placed on the reaction and not enough on the initial action. He is hopeful that if any positives can come from this situation it is that the emphasis and attention will now shift to where it should have been all along.
Brinkman and Bontraeger’s displays come as Emporia residents and law enforcement are preparing for a peaceful protest march from Emporia State University to the Emporia Police Headquarters Friday. KVOE will have complete coverage of the protest and all associated activities throughout the day.
