Black Business Owner in Minneapolis Pleads for Help After Life’s Work is Destroyed by Rioting Mob
Shane Trejo
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A black business owner in Minneapolis, Minn. broke down into tears after his life’s work was destroyed by the rioters who have burnt down much of the city.
KB Balla, a Minneapolis volunteer firefighter who opened up Scores Sports Bar with his savings, was profiled by CNN. Looters showed up while he was being profiled by journalists to take even more from the poor man.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do. We’ve worked so hard to get here. So hard,” he said while sobbing.
The clip from the CNN report can be seen here:
— Abadas (@AzizNonAdamant) May 29, 2020
A GoFundMe has been created to help Balla during his time of need. As of 6PM on Friday evening, over $290,000 has been crowd-funded for the man and his family.
“KB is a Firefighter on the Brooklyn Center Fire Department and Twyana was a member of the Sounds of Blackness. They have a 4 beautiful children and the toll of this entire situation is heavy. KB has been a community entrepreneur for decades and coaches and contributes to the community in which they live,” the GoFundMe reads.
While Balla may be able to recoup his business due to the generosity of the community, the lawless and disorder is being cheered on by Somali migrant Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and her daughter.
Our anger is just.
Our anger is warranted.
And our priority right now must be protecting one another.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 28, 2020
Ilhan Omar’s daughter retweeted a list of needed supplies for “comrades” who are rioting in Minneapolis. The Twin Cities DSA asks for ply wood, sticks, rackets and more. pic.twitter.com/BFjXIQh8wE
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 28, 2020
Balla is humbled at the outpouring of support he has received from the law-abiding members of his community. He claims that after the CNN report showed him being looted, many people showed up at his storefront and helped him clean up the mess caused by the rioters.
“While filming for CNN, people came in trying to steal the safe and I wondered what next? My community, that’s what. Strangers showed up with brooms, cleaning supplies, trash bags, and food. They helped me and my family clean up in 20minutes what would have took days,” he wrote in the update to his GoFundMe page.
He is also the CEO of Balla Technology LLC, an electronic installation company that sets up entertainment centers and security systems for its customers. From all indications, he is a family man and an upstanding member of society. His story may serve as inspiration to others that the city can be rebuilt through the ongoing strife.
“Right now is a tough time for my family and I, but also the community and the whole state. I know it will take some time, but we will rebuild and come back even stronger than ever,” he added.
If Minneapolis recovers, it will happen despite the best efforts of their Congressional representative fanning the flames of division and hatred amidst the crisis.
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