Rock and Soul DJ & Record Store Rebuild
Donation protected
*Note from the organizer: I do not work at the shop; just a concerned and frequent customer. Sharon has access to this page and all communication is being shared directly with her.
The murder of George Floyd and countless others at the hands of those meant to protect them is appalling. The day to day struggles of People of Color - specifically Black people in the United States needs to end.
It’s no secret that these are tough times - from a global pandemic; to excessive force being used against the peaceful protests of the injustices the Black community faces in the US; to people distracting from the message by destroying and stealing from small businesses. Today (6/2/20) I found out that Rock and Soul DJ Equipment & Records - one of world’s oldest and New York City's longest standing independent record and DJ stores - was attacked by looters last night that stole car loads worth of merchandise.
In the midst of facing the economic hardships of a global quarantine and fighting to reopen the store, the shop’s owner Sharon made a statement of solidarity in observance of the music industry's #BlackoutTuesday and pledged a portion of the shop's profits to organizations benefiting Black Lives Matter. The next morning they found out their windows were smashed and the store was robbed by agitators using the real protests as distraction.
For DJs and Hip-Hop Heads alike, Rock and Soul holds a special place within the community - both in New York and around the world. It is minority and family owned and has served as a safe gathering place for the hip-hop community and DJs of all colors since 1975.
I’m calling on the many DJs and music lovers that have spent time at the shop browsing their records or at an event to come together and help the store rebuild. We understand the COVID-19 shutdowns have overwhelmingly impacted the DJ community worldwide so any amount is greatly appreciated! They’ve had our back for years so let’s show them some love.
You can help by donating here or purchasing something from the store’s website. The store has also pledged to use funds from what is raised to help the community and donate to the fight against racial injustice.
Rock and Soul Website
Rock and Soul Instagram
Rock and Soul Facebook
Statement from R&S:
I am so humbled and amazed by the response we received after Rock and Soul was looted on Monday night. Your calls and posts have continued pouring in day and night in support of me, my family, our staff and our store. It's hard to express how grateful I feel for all of you, and all of the words and thoughts you've shared. You are family.
So many of you have asked what you can do. Honestly, it feels strange to ask for or accept anything. But I also want to turn this amazing show of support into something good.
A long-time friend and customer created a GoFundMe for us (thank you, thank you, this is beautiful):
Anything we collect will be shared with the community once we get back on our feet. Whether we host an event, or provide free DJ classes to under-served youth, or donate to the fight against racial injustice, or something else, or all of them, we want to pay your support forward.
This was a sad and disturbing thing that happened. But if this experience showed us anything it's that beautiful things are born in dark places. Rock and Soul will rebuild, and be stronger for it. Thank you so much for the support through this, and always. We may have a busted storefront… but we are open and ready to serve you :). Now let's make some music.
Rockandsoul will be donating 10% of profits to the NAACP in support of social justice from 6/1-6/7 towards the cause. #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused #AmplifyMelanatedVoices #DoStuffForYourCommunity
"The NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund uses litigation, advocacy, and public education to work towards racial justice and equality for all Americans. The organization is fighting to protect voting rights, reform the criminal justice system, and improve equal access to education, among other civil rights causes. In donating, you can pick where your money is directed (for example, towards police reform, education, or voting rights) or simply choose 'Where it’s needed most.' Right now, the organizationis specifically fighting for the arrests of the other three officers involved in George Floyd’s murder—as the nonprofit said in a recent Instagram post, 'Partial justice is not justice at all.'"
The murder of George Floyd and countless others at the hands of those meant to protect them is appalling. The day to day struggles of People of Color - specifically Black people in the United States needs to end.
It’s no secret that these are tough times - from a global pandemic; to excessive force being used against the peaceful protests of the injustices the Black community faces in the US; to people distracting from the message by destroying and stealing from small businesses. Today (6/2/20) I found out that Rock and Soul DJ Equipment & Records - one of world’s oldest and New York City's longest standing independent record and DJ stores - was attacked by looters last night that stole car loads worth of merchandise.
In the midst of facing the economic hardships of a global quarantine and fighting to reopen the store, the shop’s owner Sharon made a statement of solidarity in observance of the music industry's #BlackoutTuesday and pledged a portion of the shop's profits to organizations benefiting Black Lives Matter. The next morning they found out their windows were smashed and the store was robbed by agitators using the real protests as distraction.
For DJs and Hip-Hop Heads alike, Rock and Soul holds a special place within the community - both in New York and around the world. It is minority and family owned and has served as a safe gathering place for the hip-hop community and DJs of all colors since 1975.
I’m calling on the many DJs and music lovers that have spent time at the shop browsing their records or at an event to come together and help the store rebuild. We understand the COVID-19 shutdowns have overwhelmingly impacted the DJ community worldwide so any amount is greatly appreciated! They’ve had our back for years so let’s show them some love.
You can help by donating here or purchasing something from the store’s website. The store has also pledged to use funds from what is raised to help the community and donate to the fight against racial injustice.
Rock and Soul Website
Rock and Soul Instagram
Rock and Soul Facebook
Statement from R&S:
I am so humbled and amazed by the response we received after Rock and Soul was looted on Monday night. Your calls and posts have continued pouring in day and night in support of me, my family, our staff and our store. It's hard to express how grateful I feel for all of you, and all of the words and thoughts you've shared. You are family.
So many of you have asked what you can do. Honestly, it feels strange to ask for or accept anything. But I also want to turn this amazing show of support into something good.
A long-time friend and customer created a GoFundMe for us (thank you, thank you, this is beautiful):
Anything we collect will be shared with the community once we get back on our feet. Whether we host an event, or provide free DJ classes to under-served youth, or donate to the fight against racial injustice, or something else, or all of them, we want to pay your support forward.
This was a sad and disturbing thing that happened. But if this experience showed us anything it's that beautiful things are born in dark places. Rock and Soul will rebuild, and be stronger for it. Thank you so much for the support through this, and always. We may have a busted storefront… but we are open and ready to serve you :). Now let's make some music.
Rockandsoul will be donating 10% of profits to the NAACP in support of social justice from 6/1-6/7 towards the cause. #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused #AmplifyMelanatedVoices #DoStuffForYourCommunity
"The NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund uses litigation, advocacy, and public education to work towards racial justice and equality for all Americans. The organization is fighting to protect voting rights, reform the criminal justice system, and improve equal access to education, among other civil rights causes. In donating, you can pick where your money is directed (for example, towards police reform, education, or voting rights) or simply choose 'Where it’s needed most.' Right now, the organizationis specifically fighting for the arrests of the other three officers involved in George Floyd’s murder—as the nonprofit said in a recent Instagram post, 'Partial justice is not justice at all.'"
Co-organisers (2)
Andres Rodriguez-Campbell
Organiser
New York, NY
Sharon Bechor
Beneficiary
Sharon Bechor
Co-organiser