SPRING VALLEY, Calif. (KGTV)-- While protesters in the streets are loud, some are taking a much quieter approach to support the Black Lives Matter movement. One viral post is driving people to many Black-owned businesses in San Diego.
The magical seasonings behind David Bankhead's soul food are a secret. But the owner of Bankhead Mississippi Style Cookin' in Spring Valley says what is not a secret are the racial tensions still evident in America.
"You know I come out of Mississippi, so I was born into some of the things that are going on right now," Bankhead said.
He says he supports the protests. He even took part in #blackouttuesday on his restaurant's social media pages. But the violence, he cannot condone.
"When you're tearing up stuff in your own neighborhood, that's not helping the cause at all," Bankhead said.
Since opening up his restaurant eight years ago, he had seen great success. But since the coronavirus pandemic hit, his shop has taken a 40% hit. On Tuesday, however, his store was suddenly packed.
"We had all nationalities come in," manager, Betty King said. "Hispanics, Caucasians, obviously African-Americans... it was it was amazing."
It was the day an Instagram post calling San Diegans to support black-owned eateries went viral. Bankhead Mississippi Style Cookin' was one of the many listed on the post.
"When I realized just how many there were in San Diego, I wanted to share online," post writer, Hala Saleh said.
Saleh is a La Mesa resident whose roommate's business was vandalized on Saturday. Instead of protesting, she wanted to demonstrate support quietly.
"I think for us to support them during this time will have a major impact on their business," Saleh said.
Saleh knew she could not list every single Black-owned eatery in her post. So she called around, looked at other instagram and blog posts, and later opened up the list to the public to add more of their favorites. Bankhead Mississippi Style Cookin' was a big hit.
"We came here because it was a black-owned business," a group of ladies proudly said in their social media post.
"Let's say you have flowers. If you just have one color in that bunch of flowers, it's beautiful. But when you have all colors in there, that is the ultimate beauty. And that's what we had here yesterday," Bankhead said.
Saleh says when you go to the restaurants on her list, don't forget to take a photo and tag the restaurant on social media to share your support even after your meal.
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