In a world increasingly divided by hate, a Chicago-based florist is making headlines for its resolute stance against racism and neo-Nazism. Following the tragic events of the Charlottesville rally, Flowers For Joy has implemented a bold pop-up on its website that leaves no room for ambiguity. The message is clear: if you support racism or fail to denounce it, the company does not want your business.
On Monday, the florist added a striking pop-up asking visitors, “Do you condemn racism, neo-Nazism, and white nationalism?” Users are presented with two choices: (1) affirm their stance by clicking “Yes, I can’t believe we’re still having this conversation,” or (2) click “No, I’m choosing ignorance and complicity in hate.” Those who click “Yes” are welcomed into the site, with a gentle nudge to consider donating to organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and RefugeeOne. However, those who select “No” receive a blunt reminder of their complicity in hate and are redirected to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s homepage.
The pop-up has garnered significant attention on social media, with the company’s Facebook post amassing over a thousand likes and hundreds of supportive comments. This reaction highlights the public’s appreciation for Flowers For Joy’s courage to take a firm stand during these turbulent times.
Founded by college friends, Mark Thompson and Jake Adams, Flowers For Joy has always been rooted in community engagement. The duo began their journey in 2010 while working with a nonprofit that provided essential resources to students in the Chicago Public School system. To raise funds for this cause, they sold flowers at graduation ceremonies, pledging to donate backpacks filled with school supplies for every dozen sold. This initiative blossomed into a flourishing business model.
Today, the company donates 25% of its profits to local nonprofits, totaling nearly $250,000 in contributions. In August, they are also providing backpacks and school supplies from proceeds generated at their new Milwaukee location.
Mark Thompson expressed pride in the company’s mission, stating that standing idly by in the face of hate was never an option. “We sell flowers as a vehicle to advance causes we care deeply about,” he emphasized. “While we remain apolitical, we will not hesitate to support vulnerable causes that deserve our attention.”
Thompson also noted his surprise at the reluctance of other businesses to take a stand on such a clear-cut issue. “It’s perplexing how few people are willing to speak out against racism and Nazism—these are not controversial topics,” he remarked.
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In summary, Flowers For Joy exemplifies how businesses can leverage their platforms to advocate for social change, making a significant impact on their communities while standing firmly against hate.