MPBC Welcomes Manolo’s Bakery Owner—Amid ICE-Y Incursion, He Feels Love from Charlotte Resistance Community

By Bruce Elliott

On Sunday November 23, the Faith and Community Forum hosted Manuel Betancur (Manolo) in Heaton Hall. As many in our congregation gathered, you could feel the anticipation in the air. We were all keenly aware of the impact in our city generated by the unprecedented incursion of ICE and Border Patrol agents. Even many of us not in the immigrant community had just been through 8 days of intense fear and outrage over the agents’ unlawful activities and at times, their unwarranted brutality. These incidents had been covered extensively by local news media, with many reports making a visceral impact on viewers.

One of the key individuals in the immigrant community who was featured in many news stories was Manolo, who has been a key grass roots leader in our city since 2009.  As he spoke to us on Sunday, the toll these events have taken on his family, his business and his friends and neighbors, was evident as he spoke of the darkness that descended upon them.

“What has happened to our immigrant community in Charlotte in the past 8 days is evil, pure evil,” he said, shaking his head. His tone was weary, but firm: “they are tearing parents and children apart, splitting up families, and for what? Most of these being taken away are here legally and have committed no crimes. This is not the America we know.”

Through the discouragement, adversity and stress of these days, Manolo said that he and his family have discovered some things about Charlotte and her people. “So many people from the non-immigrant community have come and wrapped us in love and support. We did not know we had so many caring neighbors—neighbors who have stood up for us, protesting against ICE and recording what they are doing. You have inspired us in ways that really matter, and we thank you and appreciate all you are doing.”

Our audience remained deeply engaged throughout his talk and Q & A time. Names and phone numbers of local organizations were given by several in the audience who have worked with these orgs to plan and participate in protests, marches and prayer vigils.

Despite all that he and his family had been through in the previous days, he brought with him enough pastries for each of our audience members to have a piece of cherry or apple strudel or a long cinnamon stick. Also contributing were members of our staff and congregation who brought many muffins, cakes, doughnuts and pastries to serve for everyone.

At the conclusion of his talk, I presented Manolo with a check donated by our congregation to assist him and his family in recovering from his losses over the past week. He remarked that it would all go to help his employees who have just been deprived of a week of work, and he thanked us. This was surely an experience of community and thanksgiving for us all, and how keenly appropriate that it happened at the start of Thanksgiving week.

Thanks to all who have become engaged by current events and by the plight of Manolo and others in our immigrant communities. Please keep engaged and show your support in any of the many ways available. And hey, is anyone ready for a visit to Manolo’s Bakery? 

The city of Charlotte has long adopted the hornet as its symbol. It stems from revolutionary America and the militia’s fight against Charles Cornwallis and British troops. Cornwallis occupied Charlotte after facing stronger-than-expected resistance and suffered constant attrition from a guerrilla campaign by the outnumbered revolutionaries. Sixteen days in, he quit the place in humiliation. He was heard to say as he left: “Let’s get out of here; this place is a damned hornet’s nest.”