Friday? ‘NO WORK. NO SCHOOL. NO SHOPPING.’ — But Thursday you should go out to eat at ‘To Minneapolis with love from Seattle’ venues on Capitol Hill

(Image: Nationalshutdown.org)

Things might be quiet around the neighborhood Friday, as many across the country are planning a day of “NO WORK. NO SCHOOL. NO SHOPPING.” in a “national shutdown” against the ongoing ICE immigration crackdown as Congress battles over budget for Homeland Security.

Saturday will fill Seattle streets with demonstrators. Protest rallies are planned to begin around noon at Harborview and Swedish on First Hill before meeting up with other groups near Seattle Central for a rally organized by Seattle educators and endorsed by MLK Labor at Broadway and Pine.

Meanwhile, a group of Seattle food and drink venues are rallying around Capitol Hill-born Spice Waala for fundraisers across the city Thursday to support small businesses in Minneapolis.

The Nationalshutdown.org effort is endorsed by a growing roster of organizations including national groups like 50501, CodePink, and the Defend Immigrant Families Campaign. More support is coming from smaller, local groups across the country and around Seattle including Seattle’s 43rd District Democrats, members of the King County Council, and leaders of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s transition policy groups. Seattle rapper and activist Macklemore has also voiced support.

The January 30th action follows a general strike last Friday in Minneapolis as more than 50,000 marched against the ICE crackdown.

For those who want to support the effort to rein in ICE while also supporting local businesses. 15th Ave E’s Spice Waala is at the center of a growing roster of Seattle restaurants and cafes participating in Friday’s “To Minneapolis with love from Seattle” fundraiser and donating a portion of proceeds to purchase gift cards to small businesses in the Minnesota city currently at the center of the federal immigration crackdown.

Spice Waala’s latest Seattle-area roster shows more than 70 participating businesses including lots of Capitol Hill and Central District-area options. Check if they’re participating Thursday, Friday, or through the entire weekend. If you can’t make it out, you can donate via Spice Waala’s online ordering.

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