At Anita’s New Mexico Style Cafe in Ashburn, Virginia, server Kelly Carter waited on a white couple in their 20s, who bought $30.52 worth of food. When the couple finished their meal they paid by credit card and wrote “Great service don’t tip black people” on their receipt.
Instead of getting mad, Carter stays optimistic. She said that she would gladly serve the pair again, adding:
“My arms are still opened to him. That’s him, not me. He only hurt himself. He only makes me stronger.”
The NAACP and several news outlets posted a copy of the receipt on social media:
JUST IN: Diner at Ashburn Anita’s stiffs server, leaves a racist note | https://t.co/YOpwvbu8oq #Loudoun #Ashburn #Racism pic.twitter.com/f8T8ELh9lY
— Loudoun Times-Mirror (@LTMnews) January 8, 2017
Carter said that the couple wasn’t behaving any differently than other customers. The lady even talked about how much she enjoyed her pot pie meal. They didn’t say any racial slurs to her, they were decent customers. Since the incident, people have been coming into the restaurant and asking to sit in her section.
Carter’s optimism is infectious and inspiring, as she stated:
“He didn’t hurt me, he only hurt himself — he only makes me stronger. Just me serving them will let them know they did not get the best of me — and I truly mean that.”
Her boss, Tom Tellez said the incident was “disheartening” and “outrageous.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Carter. It has made $430 of it’s $2,000 goal.
Here are some Twitter reactions to the incident:
Some were amazed how far the story had spread.
https://twitter.com/KyleAlbers5/status/818582802270539776
Many people shared their angry reactions to this horribly racist gesture.
https://twitter.com/VinBioDiesel/status/818544106234224640
In 2017 this is quite #Unbelievable . #racism #USA
We don't tip black people, note to Virginia waitress said – https://t.co/GtAWBoHV6A
— Save us (@Saveusfromthis) January 9, 2017
Some praised her handling of the situation:
Your quality shines thru, Ms Carter.: BBC News – We don't tip black people, note to Virginia waitress said https://t.co/PNjZluBAQ8
— Colin Gillett (@colin_gillett) January 9, 2017
Unfortunately, we may be seeing more incidents like this with our racist President-elect Donald Trump about to be sworn in. He spread racism all during his campaign. Now, many of his supporters are emboldened to do the same thing. This lady’s response to this racist couple is very admirable.
Here is a news clip about it:
https://youtu.be/lrB6meO_t0Q
Featured image via YouTube screenshot.
