Stand Up Where You Are
I think I found my new favorite restaurants.
In the early morning hours of August 13, 2024, residents of Hampton, Iowa awoke to find threatening, racist flyers — with attached Trump 2024 logos — posted on seven downtown businesses. I have written about this incident before.
The only way out is through...
And most recently, Hate Crimes & Immigration Policy, in which I shared an excerpt from Jennifer Burnham’s Hampton Chronicle coverage of the sentencing of Daniel Embree, who was convicted of eight counts of criminal mischief in the fifth degree (hate crime, serious misdemeanor) and trespass as a hate crime.
“Five months after posting anti-undocumented immigrant flyers around town, Daniel Embree has been sentenced to two years of supervised probation with the Iowa Department of Corrections. He will not have to serve jail time.” Jennifer Burnham, Hampton Chronicle
I will be honest, although I enjoy reading the Hampton Chronicle, I was beginning to feel that when I saw coverage of immigration or related issues in the Chronicle it was always going to be a difficult, if not painful read. That feeling was a result of a tough string of stories and not the fault of Jennifer Burnham or anyone else at the Chronicle.
However, today’s Chronicle coverage was different. It is not a lighthearted story, rather, it is a story about courage.
Mexican Restaurants in Hampton Close for Day in Support of Immigrant Community
By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle
Two Mexican restaurants and a liquor store in Hampton have announced they are closed for the day in support of the immigrant community in the area.
The owners of La Frontera, La Chozita and A to Z Liquor Inc. posted on Facebook that they will be closed on Monday, Feb. 3, joining a national movement called "A Day Without Immigrants.” Establishments in Des Moines and around the state are also participating in the movement.
“We’re closing our store because we are with the Latino community and our clients and without you guys, we wouldn’t be anything,” said La Frontera Owner Mary Villanueva.
La Frontera opened their doors ten years ago…
Again, not lighthearted, but courageous. And at this time in our nation, we must not underestimate the value, the power, of simple courage. La Frontera, La Chozita and A to Z Liquor Inc. did something that we should all be doing. They stood up, right there, where they are. If only more of us would recognize that the simple act of standing up for the rights and the safety of those around us is vital and profound.
Kudos to these Hampton businesses. I applaud the certainty of their courage, their understanding and appreciation of community and their support for their families, neighbors and friends, whether in Hampton or anywhere, and everywhere, else.
I don’t drink much, but I’m sure the next time I’m in Hampton I can find something to purchase at A to Z Liquor. And I believe that La Frontera and La Chozita may have become my new favorite restaurants. I can hardly wait to get over to Hampton and try out the fare they offer.
Maybe I can make it over this Saturday (February 8th). Anybody want to join me?
John
p.s. La Frontera and La Chozita were victims of the aforementioned racist flyers posted on windows of multiple Hampton Latino-owned businesses last August. In my opinion, that fact enriches and deepens the courage it took for them to stand up on February 3rd… JBC
