A Heartfelt Message to the People of Charleston, South Carolina – Support Local Business and One Another

By Mark A. Leon

We are living in a moment in our lives that is unprecedented.  Fear and anxiety have driven us to the edge within our community and around the world.  Yet, throughout history, the one common variable that has had the strength to overcome adversity is the unified front of community.  It is that sense of pride and love that has power and resilience that cannot be measured.

Charleston has seen some incredibly high moments and ones that had us question our faith in humanity.  On that fateful Wednesday night in June of 2015, we faced and adversary motivated by hatred.  With death, bloodshed and exhaustive pain, we could have spiraled out of control.  Something wonderful happened.  As the country and the world watched on, we became closer than ever. 

Family, friends, neighbors, businesses, community leaders, government officials, and even strangers found an immeasurable level of comfort in the collective sharing of love.  It was in that love, that we began to heal. 

Throughout the healing process, we saw support in charity and gestures of kindness.  We were no longer defined by background, faith, economics or beliefs.  We were unified as one Charleston.

We are now faced with a great unknown.  Each day we are struggling, coming to terms with what the future holds.  Some of our local business owners don’t know how long they can hold on.  

Now it is up to us as a community, who have looked to these businesses for times of happiness, togetherness, and celebration, to bond together to serve as a reminder of the importance of our patronage.

We continue to ask you all to be careful and follow all recommended precautions, but don’t let go of the faith you have in our small businesses.  They are so important to all of us and more than ever they need us.  They remind us of our dreams, cater to our needs and offer many of us a second home.

To the amazing people that make up this Southern jewel, it is once again time to raise our hands and remind the world that we are #CharlestonStrong.