CINCINNATI, Ohio — It’s been a rough couple of months for black-owned businesses in Cincinnati’s downtown and Over-The-Rhine area like the Confetti Room and Social Butterfly Events.

The wedding venue and event planning business has been closed since Ohio’s shutdown in March.

“We went from 56 events to literally three events that were left after COVID and the part that was the hardest is having to sympathize because I know events are not essential,” said Simone Charles, Confetti Room and Social Butterfly Events owner.

And now Charles has decided to remain closed even longer because of the looting that has happened in the area. This has prevented her from reopening on time, but she says there’s a bigger problem at hand.

“I may be disappointed in that, but I think I’m more disappointed that this is 2020 and as a black woman in business, I’m having to look at my counterparts being killed,” said Charles.

Good Company Apparel Co-Owner Donny Harper shares the same sentiment. His clothing business in OTR has also been closed since March for the same reasons.

And although his business wasn’t damaged by looting, he says it still hurts to see everything unfold around him.

“One side of me understands the outrage and the looting and the destroying of one’s property, but again as a black business we’re already getting affected by being killed by white officers, so it just hurts when black businesses are being looted and destroyed,” said Harper.

And Harper and Charles aren’t the only ones affected by the looting and protesting going on in the city. MAO Brands Owner Morgan Owens has also made the decision to remain closed.

MAO offers many health and wellness and educational services for the black community and Owens says it’s important for her to show her solidarity with the protesters.

“I might lose out on money for taking a stand, but I’d rather lose money than lose any more black lives,” said Owens.

As many black-owned businesses continue to struggle during this time she says she would like to see more support from the community.

“If you want us to still progress, if you still want to see us work then please support us in any way that you can,” said Owens.

If you are looking to help support black-owned businesses in the Cincinnati-area, there are several ways you can help.

The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for donations for its business emergency assistance fund.