Dozens of people rallied outside La Bodeguita de Mima restaurant Sunday in a show of support for the business owner. The Cuban-American Association of Kentucky organized the rally after restaurateur Fernando Martinez says he became the target of social media attacks and vandalism by racial justice protesters. Protesters demonstrated in Nulu just over a week ago, with some handing out leaflets with a list of demands for business owners in the neighborhood. The list called on owners to hire more Black staff, require diversity training, and donate to organizations dedicated to racial justice, among other things. Martinez denounced the list of demands in a social media post, saying protesters were trying to intimidate him. A press release for the event stated that people on social media were ordered to “get” Martinez. A small group came to the restaurant and “more threats were made and some property was destroyed.” On Sunday, Martinez expressed frustration with being called “racist” on social media and defended himself.”There are people out there who are trying to define who I am as a man, who I am as a businessman, and who we are as a community,” Martinez said from the steps of his restaurant. “We need to come together as a community. We’re not an enemy of the Black community. The Cuban community is not the enemy of the Black community.” Several members of the Cuban-American Association of Kentucky spoke in support of Martinez. “There were some groups that definitely don’t represent the African American community but some people were here last week, threatening them, bullying them and we decided no we don’t want that,” said Berta Wayenberg, president of the association. Martinez, a Cuban immigrant, and many attending the rally spoke at great length about what they see as a rising tide of socialism in the United States. “The reason we are here is because the system, because socialism doesn’t work. It doesn’t work,” said Luis David Fuentes. Fuentes did not specify whether he believes the ongoing protests calling for racial equality are part of that movement. Ahamara Brewster, a general with the Revolutionary Black Panther Party also spoke at the rally. She said while she agrees with the demands protesters made, she believes their approach was disrespectful.”You’re attacking a Black-brown establishment, but you’re in the name of Black Lives Matter? Wait a minute, something’s weird about this,” Brewster said. Martinez cited differing opinions as essential to democracy and said disagreement should not tear apart a community.”La Bodeguita is open to everybody. If you’re gay, this is your home. If you’re Black, this is your home. If you’re White, this is your home. If you’re human, this is your home,” he said.
Dozens of people rallied outside La Bodeguita de Mima restaurant Sunday in a show of support for the business owner.
The Cuban-American Association of Kentucky organized the rally after restaurateur Fernando Martinez says he became the target of social media attacks and vandalism by racial justice protesters.
Protesters demonstrated in Nulu just over a week ago, with some handing out leaflets with a list of demands for business owners in the neighborhood. The list called on owners to hire more Black staff, require diversity training, and donate to organizations dedicated to racial justice, among other things.
Martinez denounced the list of demands in a social media post, saying protesters were trying to intimidate him. A press release for the event stated that people on social media were ordered to “get” Martinez. A small group came to the restaurant and “more threats were made and some property was destroyed.”
On Sunday, Martinez expressed frustration with being called “racist” on social media and defended himself.
“There are people out there who are trying to define who I am as a man, who I am as a businessman, and who we are as a community,” Martinez said from the steps of his restaurant. “We need to come together as a community. We’re not an enemy of the Black community. The Cuban community is not the enemy of the Black community.”
Several members of the Cuban-American Association of Kentucky spoke in support of Martinez.
“There were some groups that definitely don’t represent the African American community but some people were here last week, threatening them, bullying them and we decided no we don’t want that,” said Berta Wayenberg, president of the association.
Martinez, a Cuban immigrant, and many attending the rally spoke at great length about what they see as a rising tide of socialism in the United States.
“The reason we are here is because the system, because socialism doesn’t work. It doesn’t work,” said Luis David Fuentes. Fuentes did not specify whether he believes the ongoing protests calling for racial equality are part of that movement.
Ahamara Brewster, a general with the Revolutionary Black Panther Party also spoke at the rally. She said while she agrees with the demands protesters made, she believes their approach was disrespectful.
“You’re attacking a Black-brown establishment, but you’re in the name of Black Lives Matter? Wait a minute, something’s weird about this,” Brewster said.
Martinez cited differing opinions as essential to democracy and said disagreement should not tear apart a community.
“La Bodeguita is open to everybody. If you’re gay, this is your home. If you’re Black, this is your home. If you’re White, this is your home. If you’re human, this is your home,” he said.
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