Victor “Buttons” Thompson is our friend, our neighbor, the Button Man, an artist, and one of the people who make Ludlow, Ludlow. For years, Buttons has been part of the art and everyday life of Ludlow Avenue. He sells the buttons he makes, chats with people, shares inspiring stories of local sports idols, and his familiar presence makes neighbors feel at home.

Buttons had been selling his work outside of Sitwell’s with the permission of the previous owners. The current owners misunderstood who Victor was and how much he means to the community. They made the decision to remove him and ban him from Sitwell’s. Other neighboring business owners subsequently banned him from their businesses and from Clifton Plaza. We believe false and harmful things were said about him in the process.

Our friend, who had been a familiar and accepted part of Ludlow was suddenly completely unwelcome on Ludlow Avenue.

Businesses have the right to maintain safe spaces, but we believe this was a case in which a person was misperceived and wrongly excluded.

Victor is our neighbor. He belongs here.

What are we asking for?

We are asking the businesses involved to welcome Victor “Buttons” Thompson back into their spaces and allow him to participate in the community again.

Specifically, we ask that:

• Victor be free to visit and participate in the businesses and community spaces he has been excluded from.
• Victor be allowed to sell his buttons again, either in person, as he was doing, or through consignment.
• The businesses involved recognize that Victor is a valued member of the Clifton community and reconsider the decision to exclude him.
  Will you show support for Buttons?

If you believe The Button Man Belongs Here, add your name. 

And buy a button!