Manager of Raleigh black-owned store says there are 'better ways' to protest after store was looted

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Sunday, May 31, 2020
'Despicable:' Manager of black-owned Social Status reacts to store being looted amid protest
The store manager of Social Status in Raleigh understands why people are upset but says there's better ways to do it.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The store manager of a black-owned Raleigh business looted during Saturday's George Floyd protest said he understands why people are upset but there are "better ways to do it."

ABC11's Bridget Condon surveyed protest damage in downtown Raleigh Saturday morning.

Black-owned business Social Status had been looted overnight.

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"It's just sad because it's a protest that was meant for so much more than what it turned into. I'm just glad nobody got hurt, but like I said, the price wise, you can't put a number on it. The price for something like this, it's like, a landmark," said store manager Christopher. "And for it to be a black-owned business and to be treated like this, it's just, it's despicable. I understand people are upset and they want to protest, but there's more ways to do it and better ways to do it than what we've seen here."

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Many other businesses in downtown Raleigh were looted, including CVS and Dollar General.

Raleigh mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown addressed the violence following downtown protest.

WATCH FULL PRESSER

Raleigh mayor, police chief address violence at downtown protest

"Balance, I can't say how we can find a balance. It's one of those things where everyone has to come together and put in their efforts to say enough is enough," Christopher told ABC11. "And not just say enough it enough, they have to stand up and protect what is close to them."