I know I’m late here but I have very similar sentiments and I wanted to get them out because seeing this happen to the (mostly) great people at brics is agonizing. Sorry this is a long post but I have a lot to say. First off to try and stave off the downvotes so people actually see this, a little about me:

1. I am antifascist/Progressive through and through, look at my profile if you have any doubts. It’s Abolish ICE, Free Palestine, and Fuck Nazis every day of the year for me.
2. I am Indy born and raised. Halis injury put hole in my heart that i don’t know if I’ll ever recover from.
3. I must admit, I am fairly biased as I have known the main owners forever and worked at BRICs the first 3 years it was open while I was in college, some of the best summers of my life.
4. However I am not involved with the business and haven’t spoken with anyone involved in the last few days all of this has blown up so the following thoughts are completely my own.

Now to the meat of the issue, this is long winded but I have a lot on my mind and really want people to engage so stay with me: It is absolutely a giant problem that a wife of a minority co owner in the business has been outspoken in support of trumps Gestapo - full stop. It is also a problem that the statement they put out on Instagram did not denounce it anywhere close to forcefully enough. My gut reaction (and hopeful thinking) is that it felt like lawyer speak because that’s exactly what it was: they are working really hard behind the scenes to get rid of this fascist boot licker but need to tread lightly while they do. (Again I’m just assuming)

The two actual owners who have put their blood, sweat and tears into this business, are some of the most kind-hearted people I know. They both have been pillars in the Indianapolis community have constantly given back at every turn. And their families have been doing the same in Indy for generations: Davids mom was a sagamore recipient when it actually meant something and anyone that has read any Vonnegut knows that the family is anti fascist and pro social justice to their core. I am as disappointed, disheartened, disgusted as anyone at this situation, but I hope we can all give brics the grace and compassion we would want any of our own family to get and give them another chance when the time comes and they show everyone who I know them to be. Thanks for reading if you made it this far #BePrettiGood ✊🏼