Cabaret 2.0 – The Black Institute

Cabaret 2.0

About

The Black Institute began its campaign for equality in the nightlife industry after seeing a community favorite get unfairly shut down. Woodland restaurant is a popular Brooklyn restaurant where black and brown patrons celebrate, network, and brunch. In June 2019, they were hit with a M.A.R.C.H. (Multi-Agency Response to Community Hotspot) raid and found themselves temporarily shut down and stripped of their liquor licence.

We began a petition and a campaign — #SaveBlackBrunch — to unite the community and voice support for Woodland. The petition garnered nearly 4,000 signatures and people from across New York City joined the call to keep Woodland open. The campaign became a catalyst for understanding how businesses owned and/or frequented by black and brown patrons are discriminated against by city and state agencies.

Learn More

In our report, “Cabaret 2.0,” we found that minority businesses are four times more likely to be hit with a M.A.R.C.H. raids. These raids are detrimental to black and brown businesses and it’s time to fight back! Our campaign has since expanded from saving black brunch to working to #SaveBlackNightlife.

Join the fight by signing the petition, joining our coalition, and checking back here for campaign updates!

Stay updated by reading stories on our Nightlife/Nightmare Chronicles blog