As the nation mourns the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and cries out against the systemic racism that allowed it to happen, Anik’s Books stands in solidarity with all people demonstrating and fighting against the unjust system which continually allows for violence against vulnerable and marginalized American communities.

As the beneficiaries of centuries of imperial colonialism and white supremacy, we understand that we have no choice but to voice our outrage at the continued perpetration of systemic injustice; silence is not an option.

The murder of George Floyd was a gross miscarriage of justice. It, sadly, was not surprising. His murder is the result of the racist and white supremacist institutions which serve to brutalize, oppress, and dehumanize people of color.

Now is the time to empower and enfranchise black and POC communities as they fight for essential justice and reform at the institutional level. This struggle for justice is one we must all contribute towards – “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” There are many ways we can, and must, add our voices to the cries for justice and equality.

Seth has been actively participating in the local vigils and protests. As a white male, he feels it is imperative to listen to the grievances of those directly affected in order to be a better ally.

Anik is not so outgoing, so she has been unusually vocal on social media instead, doing what she can to gather more outspoken voices to affect the online dialogue.

Solidarity is important and vital, but those organizing and advocating for institutional reform also need us to put our money where our mouths are; Anik’s Books is contributing financially by donating to these two great organizations: 

Black Visions Collective is a Minnesota based Black, Queer, and Trans led organization working to promote justice for African-Americans in the Twin Cities and the Nation.

Campaign Zero is working to develop and promote research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America. Their new initiative, #8CantWait, identified eight specific policies for police departments to implement in order to drastically reduce police killings.

There are many great advocacy and activist groups that will continue to advance these causes, with your financial support; join us in donating to these 2 organizations or tell us about the causes you choose to support!

These are just 3 ways in which we at Anik’s Books have chosen to stand up and make a difference. George Floyd was murdered and his killers are being brought to justice. Breonna Taylor was murdered and her case has been reopened. Cities are committing to reforming their police departments across the nation. All 50 states, and many countries around the world, have spoken up and we are being heard. There are as many ways to make your voice heard as there are voices, so we hope you will join us in crying out to make sure the systemic racism that plagues our nation does not get swept under the rug once again.

We would love to hear how you are adding your voice to make a change!

Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans

• EIDLs, made through the SBA, have been available for roughly two weeks now. 
• They offer 3.75% interest rates. With repayment options for a period of up to 30 years, determined on a case-by-case basis.
• The Eligible Expenses are:
  • Fixed Debts
  • Payroll
  • Accounts payable, and,
  • Other bills which can’t be paid because of the coronavirus
  • Apply here

Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan Grants

• Available to small businesses as well as sole proprietors, independent contractors, and a few other niche situations.
• An advance of up to $10,000 dollars within 3 days of applying
• Application for the grant is done while applying for the above EIDL here
• These will not need to be repaid, even if you don’t qualify for an EIDL
• The Eligible Expenses are:
  • Providing paid sick leave to employees directly impacted by COVID-19
  • Maintaining Payroll during disruptions and slowdowns
  • Meeting increased costs to obtain materials due to interrupted supply chains
  • Making rent or mortgage payments; and
  • Repaying Obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses.
  • Can be rolled into Payment Protection Project Loans

Payment Protection Program

• Amount totaling 2.5x average monthly payroll 
• Average monthly payroll will be:
  • The average total monthly payments for the 12 months prior
  • The average of total monthly payments for the 12 week period beginning on either 2/15/19 or 3/1/19 for seasonal employers
  • The average of total monthly payments for the period of 1/1/20 to 2/29/20 for business not in business during 2/15/2019 to 6/30/2019
• The Eligible Expenses are:
  • Payroll Costs
  • Group Healthcare costs during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums
  • Interest payments on mortgage obligations (not prepayments or principal payments)
  • Rent (including rent under a lease agreement)
  • Utilities; and
  • Interest on any other debt obligations that were incurred before 2/15/2020
• An EIDL loan made after 1/31/2020 before PPP loans are made available may be refinanced into a PPP loan
• Forgiveness
  • Loan money spent on payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, or utilities will be forgiven proportionally to
  • The average number of full time employees from 2/15/2020 to 6/30/2020 compared to the same period in 2019, or;
  • For seasonal employers the average number of full time employees from 2/15/2020 to 6/30/2020 compared to 2/15/2019 – 6/30/2019, or; 
  • The average number of full time employees from 2/15/2020 to 6/30/2020 compared to 1/1/2020 to 2/29/2020, or;
  • The loan forgiveness can be calculated without consideration of a reduction of full time employees or wages if:
    • A reduction in staff or wages occurred between 2/15/2020 and 4/26/2020 and by 6/30/2020 the reduction is eliminated

Subsidy for Certain 7(a) or Other Small Business Loans

• The SBA will cover all principal, interest, and associated fees of covered loans for the next six payments 
• Contact your financial institution to see if your SBA loans qualify for this relief
• In addition to the six months of direct payments, Congress is recommending lenders provide payment deferments when appropriate