Thank You Cocoa Grinder & BR Neighbors
There was a flyer about harming Muslims on April 3rd. The flyer’s origins were supposedly from Europe. There were reports of copies of it being shared here in Brooklyn. I worried that someone was going to get hurt by someone who felt the flyer was a call for action. I worried that kids wouldn’t feel safe and that’s an issue.
When I talked to some teens in the area, they were tough Brooklyn kids. They were ready to “Go Brooklyn” on anyone who started with someone in our community. So I tweeted the NYC Police Commissioner, James O’Neill this because I didn’t know what else to do:
I saw some Bay Ridge residents extended kind gestures to Muslim residents. Kindness can kill hate. I’m so glad we have good neighbors who would do that. Whether you gave out flowers or donuts, stood by in the neighborhood, visited the mosque or just were kind to neighbors – Thank you!
Cocoa Grinder had this sign. (See it on the building here) Shahada is equal to a Christian’s Apostle’s Creed. For Muslims, Shahada = ‘There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.’ The coffee was free for everyone so don’t get bitter on Cocoa Grinder because he was spreading kindness on people who were being given a hard time. Yes, everyone – not just Muslims:
To the owner of Cocoa Grinder, I’ve seen your kindness many times – not just today. Bay Ridge is lucky to have you! Thank you for being inspiring!
Finally, thank you to these Brooklyn Politicians for speaking out boldly against hate.
While each of you who took the time to be kind, you thought you just touched a few people. Yet, there are young people in our community who are quietly watching and learning – learning how to treat other people and learning what good people do for others. Thank you!
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Bay Ridge | 1 Comment »
April 5th, 2018 at 8:28 am
Thank you and may God bless you for your kind gestures a d writing this article!