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Michael Carter, who was the first hire at the eatery and had years of prior experience in the kitchen, said working at Down North is about more than just making pizzas.

\"I fit the criteria because of my own story. I was locked up in 2015, about two weeks before my youngest daughter was born,\" Carter told \"GMA.\" \"I was happy to be a part of the mission and be able to push the line for social justice.\"

Evans and Abdul-Hadi said they hope to be an example for Black businesses and encourage other establishments to find ways to give back to their communities.

\"If you want to get involved, you can start by partnering with local organizations that are like-minded,\" Evans told \"GMA.\" \"Usually the community is speaking to you about what it needs, you just have to listen.\"

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