For decades, Cleon Williams – “Uncle Lou” – was a pillar of Orlando’s punk and heavy metal scene, running a music venue by the same name. Williams not only hosted shows, but helped out members of the community if they needed. On May 9, Williams was arrested by Orlando police for failing to produce the correct license to serve liquor at his bar. He was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and taken to jail, where ICE later placed an immigration detainer on him for an expired visa. After several months of legal hearings and uncertainty, Williams decided to “self-deport” to Jamaica rather than fight an uphill battle against immigration authorities. Orlando’s punk and heavy metal music communities were devastated by the news, but organized a GoFundMe and a series of benefit shows to raise funds for and say goodbye to “Uncle Lou.”

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