Support What It Means To "Live In The Present"

Friends, we need your help!

 

 

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 3, 2022 at our place of business, there was a very disturbing incident. Present Day on Main guests enjoying fellowship at a private event witnessed an uninvited visitor disrespect our co-owner, Soteria, by not responding to multiple polite requests to leave the facility. Reflecting the community spirit of our establishment, a guest, who was a Black woman, attempted to assist Soteria in her effort, which led to the guest being assaulted at the doorway by the trespasser. Strangely, the trespasser now standing in the parking lot away from Soteria and guests proceeded to call the Carrboro Police Department for aid. A police officer arrived at the business and took a report of the incident. We strongly believe that this report was incomplete and misleading.

 

We believe that our local government has the power and resources to help small businesses thrive. We request that officials further investigate the incident and offer recommendations and support such that we can operate a community-focused, safe, and profitable business. We are hopeful that our request does not result in a series of meetings. We are tired of meetings. We deserve action.

 

Until such happens, we decided to close our business to exercise self-care, heal from the incident, and to strategically determine the necessary action steps to ensure Present Day on Main is SAFE for everyone. We respond to community members' requests of “how can we help?” with 1) an online platform for friends to provide financial support and 2) forming advocacy teams to work with us on solutions.

 

Why donate?

 

Present Day on Main was created in the spirit of Belonging and with intentional, unapologetic support of Black, Brown, and all historically marginalized people. Our business values are bold and rather unique to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. Violence against Black women or any other persons has NO PLACE at our business or in our lives. Small business ownership is challenging in our town. Our ability to successfully compete in this marketplace requires our own financial investment plus creativity, great products, superb service, easy access, and a space that radiates love.

 

Our goal is to raise $25,000. We will use these monies to: 1) cover expenses related to this incident, 2) lost wages and inventory due to the shutdown, 3) purchase security gates to address the longstanding trespassing problems, 4) increase outdoor signage, 5) purchase and install security cameras, and 6) establish an endowment fund to recognize and compensate Black women in our community who serve tirelessly advocating for racial equity in our community. Please note that if the Town provides the resources such that we can secure the security gates and fencing, signage and cameras, we will then have more funding directed to the much-needed endowment fund and to property improvements to take our mission and vision to the next level.

 

In addition, we have organized two activist groups (i.e., Town of Carrboro and Carrboro Police Department, respectively) to brainstorm and execute actions to address matters of safety and concern for the operation of our business. Please go to our website and click "contact us" if you wish to join other justice-minded friends to help us find a pathway forward.

 

Thank you for taking the time to visit this page.

 

YOUR SUPPORT matters to us.

 

EVERY GIFT matters to us.

 

YOU matter to us.

 

Special thank you to the community members who have supported us thus far!

 

With hope and resolution, we look forward to re-opening our doors as the welcoming and safe space we all deserve.

 

With an abundance of love,

 

Soteria and Sophie

 

 

Olivia Davis and Karen Kalafatas are organizing this fundraiser for Present Day on Main, with support from Debby Stroman.