Community raises thousands of dollars for Oakland Black-owned businesses damaged during protests

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd touched down in Oakland several days ago and isn't letting up.

VIDEO: In Their Own Voice: Young, black Bay Area residents react to the killing of George Floyd

"As an Oaklander, protesting is part of our heritage," Trevor Parham, owner of Oakstop said. "It's part of our legacy. So, in many ways we expect protests to happen. Another element that has arisen with that, is we've also learned that some people have seen the opportunity in that." Oakstop is a co-working and cultural collaboration space downtown. The business was damaged during the looting in Oakland the last weekend in May.

"If anyone is from Oakland or is out there campaigning for black rights, they wouldn't touch Oakstop," Parham said. "They wouldn't touch a business like our's that has done so much for this community." Parham continued, "There's a layered effect here. It's not just the damages of chaos and looting. It's looking back up the chain historically that black owned businesses are already facing challenges and economic injustices- and are already marginalized. You take that and combine it with the effects of the pandemic."

RELATED: SF to redirect funds from police to support African American community

It's a tough situation, but in this case, there's a good person working behind the scenes.

Elisse Douglass also lives in Oakland. She set up a Gofundme with an initial goal of $5,000 to help the damaged black owned businesses. "We can fix windows first and then just keep going from there."

In just five days, Douglass raised more than $75,000 with the help of other community members. Her new goal is $100,000. "This is an easy way to help people out on the ground so not just this current crisis of damage and protests, but the larger crisis of COVID-19," Douglass said. "(When it's) over we can help these businesses thrive. That's kind of one of the key ways we fight economic injustice in general."

RELATED: Grant aims to help African American, minority businesses in Oakland survive COVID-19

Oakstop is just one of many businesses benefiting from the money. The funds send the message that their struggles are being seen and heard, at least by some.

Due to the large showing of support, Douglass is now offering money to support local nonprofits in Oakland helping to achieve racial justice. You can find more information here.

Take a look at the latest stories and videos about the investigation into George Floyd's death in Minneapolis and protests across the U.S.

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Find resources to help with equality, justice and race issues
• Tips for parents about talking to kids about race and racism following the death of George Floyd
• VIDEO: The best and worst moments from Bay Area protests
• Watch George Floyd protests live: Demonstrations, briefings planned in San Francisco Bay Area
• ABC7 Listens 'From Anger To Action: A Bay Area Conversation'
• Here's which Bay Area cities are under curfew and what it means
• Jamie Foxx, Rev. Amos Brown speak at peaceful kneel-in at San Francisco City Hall
• 'Rioting is the language of the unheard': Host, comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses racism in America
• SF mayor delivers powerful message at protest with Jaime Foxx
• San Francisco police chief recalls time as LAPD officer during 1992 Rodney King riots, asks residents to 'stay at home'