Ugh, this is so sad 
... I mean, I totally get why the store owner can't afford to pay that much rent anymore. It's crazy how fast things change around here. And now with the Obama Center coming in, it's like, what's gonna happen to all these little businesses and shops? They're just being pushed out by fancy new developments and higher taxes 
. Mama Africa's Marketplace has been such a great resource for the community - they offer so much more than just stuff to buy, they're a hub for people to come together 
. I hope something can be done to help her out, or else it's gonna be super tough for all the other small businesses too 
... I mean, I totally get why the store owner can't afford to pay that much rent anymore. It's crazy how fast things change around here. And now with the Obama Center coming in, it's like, what's gonna happen to all these little businesses and shops? They're just being pushed out by fancy new developments and higher taxes . Mama Africa's Marketplace has been such a great resource for the community - they offer so much more than just stuff to buy, they're a hub for people to come together . I hope something can be done to help her out, or else it's gonna be super tough for all the other small businesses too 
. We hit up this tiny diner that served the most epic chicken sandwich I've ever had and I'm totally craving it again now. And have you guys tried those new plant-based milk alternatives? I'm low-key obsessed with them... anyway, back to Mama Africa's Marketplace - I feel for Lakiesha Williams, she sounds like a total hero for fighting for her community 
. What's your take on gentrification and property taxes, though? We should totally have a discussion about it (over some good food, obvs) 
. A community store that's been a hub for local vendors and residents is being pushed out by rising property taxes and development plans 
. It's like, what even is the point of all these new developments if they're just gonna force out small businesses and push people out of their own neighborhoods? 
. And now she's stuck with this ridiculous sale price and high-interest rates 
. It's like, what does anyone plan to do with $550,000 if they're just gonna tear down a beloved community store? 
. When are we gonna prioritize community over profits and gentrification over people's lives? 
oh man, I'm literally so heartbroken right now. Mama Africa's Marketplace has been a staple in my community for years and the thought of it closing down is just devastating 
. The property tax hikes are killing small businesses like hers and it's not just about the money, it's about the people who rely on those stores to survive. I mean, Lakiesha Williams is already struggling with high-interest rates and now she can't even get financing for the sale? It's like the system is stacked against her 
.