Alissa Redmond, owner of the South Main Book Company in Salisbury, has initiated a strike in response to the recent death of Alex Pretti, who was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on January 24, 2024, in Minneapolis. The bookstore is closed until further notice as Redmond seeks to raise awareness about what she describes as a troubling national climate surrounding law enforcement actions.
Redmond announced her decision to strike on social media on January 25. She expressed her deep concern over the lack of accountability for ICE officers involved in Pretti’s death. “This was not something that I had some sort of calculated plan to do,” Redmond said. “I feel that we have now reached a point where life in America is unusual. Business to me can’t continue under usual circumstances right now.”
Despite the closure, Redmond is committed to supporting her employees by continuing to pay those who request wages. She plans to reopen the shop for a community event, Wine about Winter, on February 6, and will fulfill outstanding orders. Additionally, she is set to participate in the Brady Author’s Symposium at Catawba College on February 26, where she intends to sell books. However, Redmond has halted credit card transactions and new inventory orders until the strike concludes.
“This moment is not normal,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to avoid supporting larger corporations during this period of protest. Redmond recognized the uncertainty in the current sociopolitical environment, stating, “I can’t come in here every day and keep doing the normal things that I’ve been doing.”
Redmond’s strike marks a significant departure from her previous approach during civil unrest, such as the protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020. “I believed I could use my voice then in other ways to weigh in on racially divisive issues,” she explained. “But now, safety is no longer a guarantee for me.”
The impact of Pretti’s death, along with that of another individual, Renee Good, weighs heavily on Redmond. She expressed doubt about the rule of law in the country and how it affects her sense of security and community ties. “I’m not encouraging other businesses to shut down. I just want to raise awareness that I believe we are not living under normal times,” Redmond added.
As a candidate for county commissioner in the upcoming local election, Redmond has voiced concerns about the implications of her family’s safety in the current political climate. She is contemplating the possibility of relocating if necessary, stating, “I need to make some changes for myself to feel comfortable staying here.”
At this stage, Redmond has not requested any financial support for her business, opting instead to donate proceeds from upcoming events to local nonprofits. Her actions have sparked discussions about the intersection of business and social justice, challenging the notion of normalcy in the face of national unrest.