Caffrey’s Deli & Smitten Kitten Boarded, Minneapolis Protest

The storefronts of Smitten Kitten and Caffrey's Deli on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis were boarded up during the widespread protests that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This measure was taken by many businesses across the city to protect properties amidst civil unrest. Messages spray-painted on the plywood, such as "Don't burn we live here," "We want cops in Cuffs," and "People live here, kids live here," reflect the complex emotions and demands of residents and protestors. These boarded facades became temporary canvases, documenting the immediate impact of the protests on local commerce and community expression.