WE FEEL YOU SOUTH BEND

 

These last several months have tested the soul of the 574. Not only did we, as a business community and a community as a whole, absorb the impact of a pandemic, we've also had to witness and form a community response to the brutal and unnecessary death of Big George Floyd. Still, South Bend has proven once again that tough times cannot fully break the spirit of a community if it is willing to help each other, teach each other, listen to diverse perspectives, and grow in ways that uplift us.

 

Our downtown business partners are continuing to navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19 absorbing and its effect on our ability to bring innovative, fun local hospitality to our downtown neighborhood, out of town visitors, local customers, and neighbors alike. This bold group of independent owners are taking lessons from each other and using incredible creativity and determination as their tools of choice. Dozens of restaurants and retail businesses have pivoted to add carryout, curb side service, internet-based service, expanded outdoor seating, right-sized and creative menus, and, in some cases, a total overhaul of their business model. It is inspiring!

 

Promoting equity, exclusivity, and opening hearts to be sensitive to social justice is certainly not a new concept. Locally, these challenges have inspired the continued creation and growth of leadership, especially in our black community and in our youth, high school, and university leadership, as they have stepped up with assistance and steady guidance of our local Black Lives Matter group, teachers, professors, clergy, parents, and mentors. We've seen creative, passionate, and sincere protests that produce conversations and actions that can only accelerate the growth of South Bend's obligation to social responsibility and mental vibrancy... It's an encouraging prospect.

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It's DTSB's job to continue to not only ensure the overall vibrancy of the downtown, but to be the inspiration and the spark for creating dignified and surprising innovations in place-making throughout several South Bend neighborhoods. We feel you South Bend, and we are in, and we are invigorated by your response, and are committed to building the type of environment that our community can be proud of.

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We love the 574. And we cannot wait to continue to do what we do best... bring people together.

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Sincerely,

Downtown South Bend, Inc.