Buzz

Small business owners—many of whom are still struggling post-pandemic— said it’s about putting people ahead of profits

By Katelyn Flint

From restaurants, to clothing and kids stores—several Boston businesses began fundraising almost immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned —saying it was their way of giving customers who support reproductive rights a way to start taking action.

Karen Akunowicz, chef and owner of Fox & the Knife in South Boston said, “If we’re not standing up for our communities and the people around us, what’s the point?”

And that was the point behind Akunowicz’s decision to fundraise as soon as the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade came down. The chef announced on social media that weekend sales of their signature wine would go towards the National Network of Abortion Funds.

“We wanted to immediately recognize the situation, address it, and take action,” Akunowicz said. “It is challenging sometimes to own a business and take what some deem to be a political stance. I don’t see this as political. I see this as human rights.”