06/04/2026
Today was one of those days that left me emotionally exhausted.
An individual who had previously stolen our tip jar returned to Wadada. After being asked to leave, the situation escalated. Chairs and patio items were thrown, and one of our front windows was broken.
Thankfully, my employee was not hurt, our customers were safe, and no one was physically injured.
But these incidents take a toll, and they are becoming more frequent. In fact, I was just telling one of my neighbors earlier today that things feel increasingly out of hand. Just yesterday, a man asked me for change and then suddenly went from one hundred to a thousand, as if he were about to attack me as I got into my car. This happened just blocks away from Wadada at my other store, Axum, on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
For 8 years, Wadada has operated in the West End because we believe this community deserves access to healthy food, wellness resources, and local businesses that care. We have invested our time, energy, and resources into improving our space and creating a welcoming place for everyone.
At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore how vulnerable small businesses are. We are often on the front lines of mental health crises, public safety challenges, and social issues that are much larger than any one business can solve.
Over the past several years, I’ve watched more and more people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and crisis situations in our community. As business owners, we’re often expected to navigate these encounters daily, with little training, few resources, and no real support system in place.
Small businesses should not have to absorb the emotional, physical, and financial impact of these situations without meaningful support, resources, or a plan.
We need real conversations, real resources, and real action that protects both vulnerable individuals and the communities where we live and work.
Thank you for listening, family. I am forever grateful for your support and for standing with us through both the victories and the challenges.
I pray for healing, safety, and restoration for our entire community. 🙏🏾
