One of the groups associated with recent protests against Kroger says Blink Cincinnati abruptly canceled its booth at a festival event without explanation.
The Humane League is one of two groups that have recently protested the Cincinnati-based grocer over the company's commitment to cage-free eggs.
Olive Wilkes, a senior field organizer for the Humane League, told The Enquirer on Oct. 2 that a group of Cincinnati volunteers had filed all the proper paperwork and were approved to have an booth at the "Ready. Set. Blink," the Oct. 8 kickoff partyfor the festival.
"Everything was running smoothly, and we were listed on Blink's website," Wilkes said, but then "our invitation was rescinded without explanation."
Blink organizers said in a statement to
The Enquirer that the group's participation did not align with the goals of the event.
"A few days ago, we learned that one of the booth participants in the BLINK opening event was an out-of-state political organization leading an activist campaign," the statement said. "After further review, we determined that its participation would not align with the goals and operational principles we set for the event. As a result, we have rescinded the organization’s invitation to participate."
The statement said Blink's organizers remain focused on creating an "inclusive celebration for the entire community."
Wilkes said the planned installation was family friendly and meant to educate people about battery cages, a type of enclosure used for chickens in the egg production industry. The focus of the exhibition was not Kroger, Wilkes said.
The Humane League said it has reached out to Blink organizers, but received no response as of noon on Oct. 2.
"It's really disappointing because they've put so much time and effort into it," Wilkes said. "It's very disappointing to feel like we're being censored."
Wilkes said the group had checked earlier in the process to see whether Kroger was a Blink sponsor and did not see any link, but did later find Kroger listed on Blink's website.
Their display called "Free to Roam" would have allowed participants to simulate setting chickens free in a pasture. The Humane League Booth was still listed on a "Ready. Set. Blink" event map on Oct. 2.
On Sept. 28, the group held a protest at The Banks where a Kroger corporate event was taking place. Protesters chanted and dressed in inflatable chicken costumes.
“We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food," the group said, describing its mission in corporate filings. "This mission is executed by persuading companies and institutions to adopt animal welfare policies through negotiation and pressure campaigns.”
Financial disclosures show The Humane League is based in Maryland and generated $22.1 million last year and has 112 staff, as well as 232 volunteers. Wilkes said the organization has multiple offices across the country and local volunteers from Cincinnati working in the city.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Blink cancels booth for group tied to Kroger protests
