Thanks to reporter Jared Keever and The St. Augustine Record for covering the story. It appears the store owner in quo overreacted by calling the cops -- the robotic response of too many business owners to criticism or First Amendment protected activity. (I thought customer concerns were supposed to be heard and heeded, not reported to the police. (Ever heard of the saying, "The customer is always right"?)
It also appears that the Historic City News blog got the story wrong, showing racism (again), as it erroneously portrayed the business of being a "victim," accused the Black Lives Matter movement of being "extremist (wrong), accused the students of being "disruptive," questioned their professors for efforts to conciliate, and accused the students of being "adjugated" (sic) Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. And Wikipedia says "adjugate" means:
adjugate (third-person singular simple present adjugates, present participle adjugating, simple past and past participle adjugated)
(obsolete) To yoke an animal to something
(mathematics) The transpose of the respective cofactor matrix, for a given matrix. One of the factors in calculating the inverse of a matrix. Commonly notated as adj(A), where A is the given matrix.
UPDATE: Folio Weekly reported that the Aunt Jemima costumed employee was spotted by a Flagler College student while she was working in the window of the restaurant, like some sort of racist performance art on the part of the unenlightened owner.
As if inspired by the Ghosts of Mississippi, or of J.B STONER and JOHN KASPER, out-of-state and out-of-country bigots commented, including at least one Russian troll (a person from Tbilsi, in Georgia). See below.
Posted October 31, 2017 05:09 pm - Updated October 31, 2017 06:08 pm
By JARED KEEVER jared.keever@staugustine.com
Flagler students protest local eatery after employee dresses as Aunt Jemima
An employee at a local eatery, dressed in blackface as Aunt Jemina for Halloween, sparked an afternoon of protests from angry Flagler College students along St. George Street on Tuesday.
“No blackface. No KKK. No racist USA,” was just one of the many chants coming from the crowd in front of The Bunnery Bakery & Cafe as students lined both sides of the pedestrian-only street.
Students Hasani Malone and Courtney Olson said the protest started after the owner of The Bunnery called the police trying to get them to leave the restaurant.
Olson said she had gone in late Tuesday morning to get something to eat and saw the white woman in the costume.
“I told her it was culturally offensive and oppressive,” Olson said. “So I went and got Hasani.”
Malone said she tried to explain to the woman how the costume was “perpetuating racial stereotypes” and said they weren’t going to leave the restaurant until the woman took it off. (Malone said she sat down as part of her initial protest.)
The owner eventually called the police and Olson, Malone and two of their friends left after police arrived and spoke with them.
Then more students gathered out front.
Pamela Cross, who owns The Bunnery with her husband, said Tuesday afternoon that she wasn’t there for the initial interaction when her husband called the police. But with protesters standing outside her front door, she said no offense was ever meant by the costume or the employee who chose to wear it.
“She has biracial grandchildren,” Cross said of the employee, whose name she declined to give. “She is the least racist person in the world.”
“She went home in tears,” she said.
Cross said she doesn’t run a racist business and has a diverse workforce.
“I have black, I have white, I have Asian, I have LGBT,” she said. “I treat them like my family and they work for me like they’re family. There’s no bias or racism, I won’t tolerate it.”
Despite efforts from Flagler College Vice President of Academic Affairs Alan Woolfolk and history professor Mike Butler to facilitate a discussion between the two sides and elicit an apology from Cross, Malone, by early afternoon, said she hadn’t heard what she was looking for.
“We want them to acknowledge that what they did was racist,” Malone said. “We don’t want, ‘Sorry you are offended.’”
Later in the day, a message appeared on The Bunnery’s Facebook page saying that “we do not support racism or encourage the separation of any races.”
“We hope that civil conversation and an exchange of history and perspective will prevail so that we can all gain greater understanding from this event,” it continued.
“We are very sorry for our lack of cultural perspective and offer our sincere apology,” the statement said in closing.
Comments
Charlie Warren ·
Go back to class & get educated, children! Because that’s what you are
Linda Cooper Simerly ·
Good Lord!!!! Live and let live! Protests for NO reason
🙏🙏🙏
🙏🙏🙏
Tony Hawkes
Grow up and quit letting everything in life offend you.
Amalan Sunder ·
Easy to say when you're privileged and have never been oppressed because of the color of your skin
Bret Maltzon
Amalan Sunder you are not being oppressed. you need medication. your an idiot.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Bret Maltzon That's uncouth and unkind. Stop it now.
Denis Meyer ·
Amalan Sunder YOU have never been oppressed. You have been afforded every opportunity that white white people have. There is no such thing as "White Privilege" it's a MYTH. Stop whining. Get educated, or learn a trade, and go to work like most of the rest of the people.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Shut up!
Shut up!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You just told me to "Shut up." What is the purpose of that hostile remark?. (Denis Meyer pejorative number 1).
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You're from Michigan? Why do you pester us here in St. Augutine, Florida.? Who sent you?
Tara Cole Sindoni ·
Denis Meyer are you for real? It's a privilege for you to be able to find it a myth. the true facts whites were privileged enough to eat where they want to marry who they wanted to work where they want to live where they wanted. Oh what a privilege to say you're not privileged!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Is "Denis Meyer" a hired hand on a Russian troll farm, trying to divide real Americans? How is it that someone from Michigan felt the need to post in St. Augustine, Florida, telling me to "shut up?" What motivates the other nonresidents on this lengthy thread? What energumen possessed them to make them so insulting, hostile and hateful? It as if the spirit of J.B. Stoner, John Kasper and Richard Spencer haunted our St. Augustine Record website on Halloween. Pray for their tortured souls. Can't we all get along?
Amalan Sunder ·
Bret Maltzon I'm currently being opressed by a privileged white male who's telling me what my life is or isn't, while insulting my mental stature and intelligence. The irony.
Amalan Sunder ·
Denis Meyer You don't know what it's like to not be from here. You don't know what it's like to be told you shouldn't be here. You don't know what it's like to not have white skin and live amicably in this country. I'm educated. I have a stable job. Keep your forgone conclusions of my life to yourself.
David Zenn ·
This is the new college experience. Go get a Federally funded student loan that you won't be able to pay back, enroll in an irrelevant Humanities school, and pick a curriculum that requires the absolute least effort to pass. Make sure that you check the box stating that you have Dyscalculia, so that you do not have to take a Math class beyond MAT101. Become a Social Justice warrior to prove that you are enlightenend. Spend the next 10 years out of school, working for $30K and trying to figure out how to pay back your loan. They were just WAITING for an opportunity to be offended.
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Exactly why social justice warriors are necessary. Kudos to these students.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Is "David Zenn" an American or a Russian? Racist memes on his Facebook page. Russian troll farms are still using FB.
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
I wondered about that too.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Fred Hutchinson One of the other posters is from the country of Georgia, from Tbilsi.
Michelle Patrick
This is a great business (they have fantastic food) and are. super pleasant any time Ive been in. Im completely disgusted that any Flagler faculty got involved in backing these students behavior, to facilitate discussion or otherwise. Just because a student doesn't know someone is biracial (and even if they weren't) doesn't give them the right to cause problems at someone's business. Maybe some of these businesses should start filing slander cases against those who imply they are racist etc, with zero proof. Maybe the law faculty could educate students on making slanderous statements and liabilities associated with making such statements. Congrats kiddos you made an older woman cry and interrupted someones business you should be proud.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
1. Good food, yes.
2. "Slander" and SLAPP suits? Now there's an idea. Non-starter. Would liley be dismissed with sanctions. Students have a right to protest. They're American citizens. Stop whining from your position of white privilege, people. Businesses are no more immune from criticism than government agencies.
3. Lots of unAmerican ideations on this thread, from people I've never seen post before. Are any of you Russian trolls, friends of the owner, or KKK?
2. "Slander" and SLAPP suits? Now there's an idea. Non-starter. Would liley be dismissed with sanctions. Students have a right to protest. They're American citizens. Stop whining from your position of white privilege, people. Businesses are no more immune from criticism than government agencies.
3. Lots of unAmerican ideations on this thread, from people I've never seen post before. Are any of you Russian trolls, friends of the owner, or KKK?
Michelle Patrick
Edward Adelbert Slavin. Get a grip with your rhetoric. If students want to have a productive conversation they could have easily invited the owners to coffee and conversation on campus with a professor. Yelling racist, kkk and 'cursing" outside someone's place of business because the student 'didnt hear what.she wanted to.hear from the owner' is laughable. If you want to actually make a change in the world it starts with conversation not running back to school to gather a group and disparage someone's business. Businesses can be criticised however you can not slander someone or a business by spreading falsehoods, which is what they were doing.
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
I doubt their workers will dress in blackface again. Change made already. Great job students.
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
Yeah well they made more money than ever yesterday so what did accomplished? Nothing.. they had people from all over coming to support my sister n law because she did nothing wrong... business was booming so not sure what change they made yelling like a bunch of 2 year olds
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Elise Pena Stop changing the subject. The issue is the owner's bad judgment in attempting to resolve a customer complaint about a civil rights issue by calling the police, and owner's failure to police his employees by failing to send the cook to remove the blackface.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
There is no such thing as "WHITE PRIVILEGE" Any more it is a MYTH that is only used to try and make white people look bad.
I've looked at your page and you are nothing but an apologist. Stop feeling horrible about your own race and realize that we are all equal with the exact same opportunities in life. Your life is what YOU make of it.
There is no such thing as "WHITE PRIVILEGE" Any more it is a MYTH that is only used to try and make white people look bad.
I've looked at your page and you are nothing but an apologist. Stop feeling horrible about your own race and realize that we are all equal with the exact same opportunities in life. Your life is what YOU make of it.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You live in Michigan? Why do you have an opinion on our town? We've achieved some 70 public interest victories here since 2005, without benefit of your supposed sagacity. To whom do you think you're giving orders, dude?! (Denis Meyer pejorative post number 2).
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
My "race?" There's only one race -- the human race. Ever study anthroplogy?
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Talk about pejorative comments?
"are any op f you Russian trolls, friends of the owner or part of the KKK?"
Talk about pejorative comments?
"are any op f you Russian trolls, friends of the owner or part of the KKK?"
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
I am talking to you!
I am not sharing my opinion on YOUR town. I AM sharing my opinion on the protest going on in your town.
Race is any group of people based on physical traits, ancestry, etc. Look it up.
I am talking to you!
I am not sharing my opinion on YOUR town. I AM sharing my opinion on the protest going on in your town.
Race is any group of people based on physical traits, ancestry, etc. Look it up.
Michelle Patrick
Denis Meyer it's not HIS town he's lived there three.years, my family was one of.the.first.to settle FL and helped build st Augustine and the bridge of Lions.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
What? 70 public interest victories based on what, liberal/progressive values?
Half of the country wants to return our entire country back to the conservative values we had in the past.
None of my comments have been pejorative except my first one.
What? 70 public interest victories based on what, liberal/progressive values?
Half of the country wants to return our entire country back to the conservative values we had in the past.
None of my comments have been pejorative except my first one.
Michelle Patrick
So either Mr Civil rights is reporting my post or the paper is deleting them because they state the truth.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
You said that there is only one race, the human race. Correct??
Well then, how can blackface be racist?
If there is only one race then to be racist would mean that you don't like HUMANS!
You said that there is only one race, the human race. Correct??
Well then, how can blackface be racist?
If there is only one race then to be racist would mean that you don't like HUMANS!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick Folio Weekly reports that the lady dressed and made up to look like "Aunt Jemima" was baking in the window of the restaurant. This gives additional insight. This was racist performance art, allowed by the business owner, until the students noticed it. This could have been an international incident, like the time that African UN Ambassadors were denied service at restaurants between NYC and DC. Our local business owners need to be more sensitive to international tourism. The City, Chamber of Commerce, TDC or VCB need to hold classes for them. And why don't ANY St. George Street businesses have signs stating "Se Habla Espanol," here in the first Spanish settlement in North America, with so many Hispanic tourists, from USA and Latin America? Businesses with Spanish-speaking employees need to put up "Se habla Espanol" signs to welcome diverse tourists. Does our Nation's Oldest City lack a welcoming spirit? Thanks to the students for speaking their truth. Keep up the good work.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick So you mock me as "Mr Civil rights" and you falsely accuse me of reporting your posts," while falsely claiming I only "lived there three years?" In truth and in fact, I've lived in St. Augustine since November 5, 1999. We, the People, working together, have achieved some 70 public interest victories here since 2005. I often speak at public meetings, and have written dozens of letters and columns for this newspaper since the stolen election in 2000. Why did you falsely state that I've "lived there three years?" Who are you to offer barbs about concerns re: institutional racism in our town? So do you live in St. Petersburg, Florida or St. Petersburg, Russia, or what? Why are you insulting our Flagler College students and question their/my motives and bona fides? To what groups do you belong that directed your attention here to this story? Why did you write, "it's not HIS (sic) town he's lived there three (sic).years, my family was one of.the.first.to settle FL and helped build st Augustine and the bridge of Lions."
Lisa Averill ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin None of the above. Students are students, not working adults and the idea of immature, not-quite-grownup students attemptig to shame a working class adult for dressing up on HALLOWEEN is plain disgusting. B4 you flip around labels and inuendos about "working class privileged whiners" Edward, look in the mirror. I for one am most certainly not privileged. They were wrong to incite a protest for someone else's freedom to choose a freakin' costume on Halloween to wear at their place of employment. She didn't like the answer, quite similar to the class of students I deal with daily's responses when I have to repeatedly ask them to respect the learning process of other students who want to learn and they disrupt that process.
Caroline Havens ·
Blackface is never okay, to not know that is to either be absurdly ignorant or blatantly racist. There's no in between. These students didn't start by protesting, they started by trying to explain why the costume was unacceptable and were met with ignorance and stubbornness. As a Flagler alumni, I am proud of these students for standing up and making their voices heard in a society that is increasing giving voice to the most racist ideals and beliefs.
Caroline Havens ·
Rhett Moxon considering whiteface has no history of oppression, I have no problem with it.
Tom Reynolds ·
Caroline Havens you are clueless! If you do not know what the Irish went through when they arrived here you are STUPID!
Christian Stevens ·
Tom Reynolds - Didn't know indentured servitude was the same as 300 years of slavery and Jim Crow...
John Fox ·
It's not blackface you idiot. Blackface was, oh .. I don't know .. black. And it exagerated the size of the lips.
This is called 'makeup' you dolt.
This is called 'makeup' you dolt.
Lisa Averill ·
Caroline Havens Whitefface has no hisotry of opression? Reallly? My ancestors, the Irish, were considered the scum of the earth when they immigrated to the United States. Before them, it was the Germans and Polish. After the Irish, it became the Italians as the scapegoats in society. No white oppression in our history? Wow.
Claudia Del Pezzo Morris ·
Caroline Havens then you haven’t studied history!!!!
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
I'm embarrassed that the students that go to flagler acted like disrespectful dramatized kids... u can't have it both ways... if we as white people can't paint our faces black then black people don't need to paint theirs white history or no history!!!
Natasha Maine ·
Look at all these racists commenting lol " WelL THe IriSH WenT tHrouGh StuFF ToO!" Caroline, They don't care about our history and never will smh.
Caroline Havens ·
Yeah... I've actually taken 2 specific classes covering the oppression of the Irish and it was not, is not, and never has been anywhere near the oppression that people of color have faced. Their oppression was not because of the color of their skin so white face has no relavence. That is simply false equilalency. But go on calling me a moron, snowflake, idiot, dolt that makes your point really well.
Amalan Sunder ·
Lisa Averill Whiteface was never used by people of color to denigrate or demoralize the Irish... And the Irish weren't opressed because their skin color was white. Neither were the Germans or the Polish. Blackface was used to systemically opress black people, denounce and make light of the pain and suffering caused by slavery, and induce and encourage racist humor. Please tell me you understand the difference.
Sharon Bacon Sharp
Caroline Havens How about red face? Stop dressing like Indians! I have an issue with THAT!
Richard Edwards
you have no idea what blackface is, that was not blackface that was aunt jemima. if she had thick white make up outlining mouth and eyes that would be blackface. Geeez
Lisa Averill ·
Neither is bullying an adult. Ever.
Denis Meyer ·
Amalan Sunder and Caroline Havens,
Oppression is oppression and if blackface is bad so is wire face you cannot have it both ways.
Halloween is a time to to portray yourself as something or someone that you are not. On Halloween, it is fine to be in blackface on Halloween no matter what you whiners think.
Oppression is oppression and if blackface is bad so is wire face you cannot have it both ways.
Halloween is a time to to portray yourself as something or someone that you are not. On Halloween, it is fine to be in blackface on Halloween no matter what you whiners think.
Denis Meyer ·
Sharon Bacon Sharp
Yes no more rouge on your faces white women. Lol
Yes no more rouge on your faces white women. Lol
Denis Meyer ·
Richard Edwards
Aunt Jemima was a character from history. This happened on Halloween when the reason for the holiday is to dress up as something or someone that you aren't.
Aunt Jemima was a character from history. This happened on Halloween when the reason for the holiday is to dress up as something or someone that you aren't.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer Aunt Jemima was a fictioal character in racist minstrel shows. Many consumer products were marketed using racist imagery.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Pretty much what I just said.
Pretty much what I just said.
Tara Cole Sindoni ·
Tom Reynolds too funny really? Irish oppression versus African enslavement please....... the comparison is asinine
Amalan Sunder ·
Denis Meyer please don't respond until you understand the difference.
Christopher Carr ·
When you were told you were important your whole life, you have to go cause scenes like this to toot your own horn. Sure glad I don't study there anymore, it'd be quite distracting with ignorant students like this.
Mark Holley ·
This is AMERICA, dress however you want to! These snowflakes need to move to the South Pole!
Lisa Averill ·
Doug Keaton If I were offended at a restaurant by the costume someone chooses to wear on HALLOWEEN, I would consider whether the offense was so great that I CHOOSE to leave the restaurant. That's what I would do. I would leave and not support the business on that particular occasion. Then I would have to weigh my options about my like for their food and the overall experience as to whether I would continue to go their or not. That's the appropriate action.
Debbie Selig ·
Well, had to wait till comment #11 before we’d hear Trump being blamed for this!!! 
🤦🏽♀️
🤦🏽♀️
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
You live in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Meghann O'Brien
I am just as shocked and sickened by the ignorance in the comment section here, as I am by the blackface costume. The costume is offensive and unacceptable and our community members have every right to speak up about it. Wrong is wrong. Blackface is wrong.
Tom Reynolds ·
I am shocked that none of these children understand what the Irish people coming to this country went through.
Christian Stevens ·
Tom Reynolds I am shocked that you keep trying to put indentured servitude on the same level as slavery
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 7:17am
Sharon Bacon Sharp
Christian Stevens then you my friend are the stupid one - read up on how the Irish were treated!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
I agree. Thanks to the students for raising people' consciousness. Thanks to the owner for apologizing. And thanks to the Record for covering the story. Under MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS' 35 year reign of error, the Record ignored significant local protests. refusing to report the news, including anti-war and anti-discrimination protests with 100+ people.
Denis Meyer ·
Wrong is wrong. That is true. The problem here is that she wasn't wrong.
She wasn't wearing 'blackface' she was wearing an Aunt Jemima suit. Black face is blackening out the entire face AND outlining the eyes and lips. Totally different.
Halloween is a time to get dressed up as someone or something that you aren't. She dressed up as Aunt Jemima, a character from history, and that is what Halloween is all about.
She wasn't wearing 'blackface' she was wearing an Aunt Jemima suit. Black face is blackening out the entire face AND outlining the eyes and lips. Totally different.
Halloween is a time to get dressed up as someone or something that you aren't. She dressed up as Aunt Jemima, a character from history, and that is what Halloween is all about.
Denis Meyer ·
Sorry but that was NOT a blackface costume. It Was a costume of Aunt Jemima. TOTALLY different things.
Aunt Jemima was just plain black.
Whiteface is blackening out your face and then, encircling your eyes and lips in white.
If you can't see the difference, then you shouldn't comment.
Aunt Jemima was just plain black.
Whiteface is blackening out your face and then, encircling your eyes and lips in white.
If you can't see the difference, then you shouldn't comment.
Trina Beauvais
I witnessed this nonsense. The leader of the protest had quite the foul mouth...which I found "offensive" and completely unnecessary.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
The only "snowflakes" are the misguided chauvinistic supporters of blackfac and the business owner who called the cops, just as some did when artists and musicians were on St. George Street, and when black people ordered coffee there in 1963-1964. Spoiled rotten business people with a sense of entitlement, don't respect customers and residents. How would an African-American tourist feel about blackface in restaurant? How would anyone? Reflects poorly on business owner that it took two college students to raise his consciousness.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Try to understand that what she was wearing was an AUNT JEMIMA costume. She was NOT IN BLACKFACE!
Aunt Jemima was black, period. BlackFACE is blackening out the face and then encircling the eyes and lips in white. It is TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
Try to understand that what she was wearing was an AUNT JEMIMA costume. She was NOT IN BLACKFACE!
Aunt Jemima was black, period. BlackFACE is blackening out the face and then encircling the eyes and lips in white. It is TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
Tom Reynolds ·
Should I not dress as an Indian?
Denis Meyer ·
In this insanely PC country they probably do consider dressing up as an Indian offensive. SMH
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 4:45pm
Denis Meyer ·
I'm surprised that they aren't protesting our Special Forces Snipers for blackening out their faces. Lol
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 4:48pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You are in Michigan. How did you happen to come to this page and insult us? Did you have help finding this page?
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 5:52pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
I don't need ANY help finding things on the internet and I AM an American so I do actually have the right to comment on ANYTHING that is there.
I don't need ANY help finding things on the internet and I AM an American so I do actually have the right to comment on ANYTHING that is there.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer So you are on a search and destroy mission? What search terms did you use and why? Are you an American? What kind of "Christian" spews hate? Your first post on this thread was "Shut up." Not exactly reasoned dialogue. Chill.
Tom Reynolds ·
This is ONE MORE reason why to NEVER FORGIVE COLLEGE STUDENT LOAN DEBT. You college KIDS got time to PROTEST .... you got time to work! NOW GO GET JOBS YOU BUNCH OF SPOILED CHILDREN!
AND PAYOFF YOUR LOANS!
AND PAYOFF YOUR LOANS!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Thanks to the students for having the courage to speak out. Students helped end the war in Vietnam and end segregation. Some of the heroes in our Revolutionary War were students (including Alexander Hamilton).
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:00pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
.....But they paid off their education.
😂
.....But they paid off their education.
😂
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 7:40pm
Frank McClarnon ·
I was offended there once. By the horrible food. Listen you chose to go to school in a whitopia that has the worst civil rights record in the country. What do u expect?
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
They expect equality and an end to racism. Got a problem with that?
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:01pm
Frank McClarnon ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin no problem with that but just wouldn't hold my breath for that in this city. I see people riding around with these coexist stickers in saint augustine. It's easy to be a liberal in a whitopia. It's comical
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 8:05pm
Tom Rodish ·
As a Flagler graduate I am saddened that the current student body has such thin skin. Grow up cupcakes, the world hasn't even begun to get real for you.
Casey EL ·
I have been blessed by a non racist upbringing, but I still am open to improvement.
I have never had a desire to wear a costume, and makeup, that mocks a race or segment of our society.
I have learned that i can do something racist without intention.
I have learned to be gracious when receiving input that educates me about my own racism.
I hope that the nice lady who, without intention to offend, did offend, will be gracious in her own learning.
I am grateful that we have Flagler College in the heart of Saint Augustine.
The students, teachers, administration, and support staff, are a plus for our local life.
I am grateful we have The Bunnery.
I have dined there a hundred times, and I will return there soon.
I am grateful that these young students showed concern for another race.
Thank you all.
I have never had a desire to wear a costume, and makeup, that mocks a race or segment of our society.
I have learned that i can do something racist without intention.
I have learned to be gracious when receiving input that educates me about my own racism.
I hope that the nice lady who, without intention to offend, did offend, will be gracious in her own learning.
I am grateful that we have Flagler College in the heart of Saint Augustine.
The students, teachers, administration, and support staff, are a plus for our local life.
I am grateful we have The Bunnery.
I have dined there a hundred times, and I will return there soon.
I am grateful that these young students showed concern for another race.
Thank you all.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Flagler College students are a force for good here.
Vivian Thornton ·
Aunt jemima was known for pancakes for years did you stop to think it was a tribute to dress like her?
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Fictional racist character from minstrel shows. Wikpedia reports: "The trademark dates to 1893, although Aunt Jemima pancake mix debuted in 1889. The Quaker Oats Company first registered the Aunt Jemima trademark in April 1937.[1] Aunt Jemima originally came from a minstrel show as one of their pantheon of stereotypical black characters. The character appears to have been a Reconstruction era addition to that cast. [2]
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:05pm
Rick Ambrose ·
As a boy growing up in the 1950s and 60s, seeing the box on the kitchen counter with Aunt Jemima's photo meant only one thing, we were having great pancakes that day. no questions ever arose about race. I think this employee's intensions were just as innocent. I feel bad that these students may have hurt her feelings, however the racial stereotype is there and prevails. The original Aunt Jemima was a charactor in a minstrel show as early as 1864 and portrayed by a white male blackface entertainer. The Aunt Jemima name was first used on a pancake mix in 1889 and the woman on the box was Nancy Green, a former slave..... So there is much more to the happy plump "Aunt Jemima" on the pancake mix box and manyfolks rightfully may be offended by a white portraying a charactor in blackface. I do think this issue may have been resolved in a more civil way......and by the way, The Bunnery has awesome food! Let's all get along......
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Local busines owners should be more sensitive to customers' concerns. Calling the police escalated the situation. Glad the owner finally apologized. Students raised everyone's consciousness, which is why we have colleges and universities.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:06pm
David Cash
OMG...the nonsense continues. This ridiculous behaviour seems to be in vogue these days. The race card is played by the left and the ignorant race baiters when any opportunity presents itself. This latest gathering of the imbeciles was prompted by a Halloween costume. These social justice warriors really need to get a life and stop trying to be offended over every little event in their unfulfilled lives. Maybe you should find out what the intent of a particular action is before making fools of yourselves and trying to find racism in every box of corn pops. There are true incidents of racism but when you make this charge about everything it has no meaning and you diminish the real injustices.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Owner should have sent cook home to change. Owner should not have called the police. What about the feelings of African-Americans offended by racial stereotypes?
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:08pm
David Cash
What about the rights of the business owner to operate her business without access being blocked to her livelihood. She had every right to call the police
Just because something offends you doesn't give you the right to break the law. Remember this was a Halloween costume. No fair minded person is going to take huge leap to racism. This more about people wanting to be offended about anything. That is all on them and they need to deal with it.
Just because something offends you doesn't give you the right to break the law. Remember this was a Halloween costume. No fair minded person is going to take huge leap to racism. This more about people wanting to be offended about anything. That is all on them and they need to deal with it.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
David Cash 1. Check chronology. SAPD called before the protest. Overreaction. Acess never blocked. Certainly not ab initio.
2. Business person's overreaction typfies the genre of small-minded, thin-skinnd and haughty business owners.
3. One Asian restaurant owner in another part of town 15 years ago asked us how we liked our meal. I told him my entree was not put in to kitchen at same time of my two friends -- I did not get to eat until after they ate. I politely asked the restaurant owner to comp the meal. He replied, "I'm calling the cops." He did. I explained what happened and they went away.
4. Business owners calling police to resolve civil disputes is unethcal, immoral and wrong. If they persist, they should be sued for civil rights violations in federal court.
5. Students were right, they stood their ground and they won. What's next?
2. Business person's overreaction typfies the genre of small-minded, thin-skinnd and haughty business owners.
3. One Asian restaurant owner in another part of town 15 years ago asked us how we liked our meal. I told him my entree was not put in to kitchen at same time of my two friends -- I did not get to eat until after they ate. I politely asked the restaurant owner to comp the meal. He replied, "I'm calling the cops." He did. I explained what happened and they went away.
4. Business owners calling police to resolve civil disputes is unethcal, immoral and wrong. If they persist, they should be sued for civil rights violations in federal court.
5. Students were right, they stood their ground and they won. What's next?
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 6:14pm
Michelle Patrick
Edward Adelbert Slavin. The student refused to leave when asked and sat down in their place of business demanding the costume be removed or she wasn't leaving that is ehen the owner called the police. Business owners can refuse service and can ask you to leave, she refused, they called the police.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Yes Albert you would be proud of them.
I perused your Facebook page and found that you are a community activist and an apologist.
You are an extreme left wing activist and you feel the need to apologize for being white.
Yes Albert you would be proud of them.
I perused your Facebook page and found that you are a community activist and an apologist.
You are an extreme left wing activist and you feel the need to apologize for being white.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer I can just feel the love. Apologist? I don't know what you mean. Activist? That's how God made me. Proud to have helped win some 70 pubilc interest victories here since 2005. Odd to have so may posts from someone who lives in Michigan and is posting personal attacks on our Flagler Colege students and me. (Denis Meyer pejorative post number 3).
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
No I mean APOLOGIST.
You are one of the people in this country that feels the need to apologize to any minority that is offended by ANYTHING.
You seem to feel ashamed of our country.
No I mean APOLOGIST.
You are one of the people in this country that feels the need to apologize to any minority that is offended by ANYTHING.
You seem to feel ashamed of our country.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
WHAT THE HELL HAS MY BEING FROM MICHIGAN GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING???
You you keep bringing up the fact that I live in Michigan.
WHY?
WHAT THE HELL HAS MY BEING FROM MICHIGAN GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING???
You you keep bringing up the fact that I live in Michigan.
WHY?
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer As Pope Francis would say, "Who am I to judge?" And who are you, exactly, "Denis Meyer" (if that's you're real name), to look down your distended nostrils from Michigan (or is it Moscow), casting asparagus and aspersions at good and decent Americans who live in St. Augustine, Florida? You say "You are one of the people in this country that feels the need to apologize to any minority that is offended by ANYTHING. You seem to feel ashamed of our country." What errant nonsense.
Rich Klinzman
These children are incredibly stupid and need to be turned over someone's knee for a therapeutic spanking. It's Halloween you ninnies. Grow up.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
These students are wise beyond their years, and I salute them!
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:09pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Let's face it Edward, you don't have a clue.
Let's face it Edward, you don't have a clue.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 5:08pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer (Denis Meyer pejorative post number 4).
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 6:07pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Yeah, I'll give you that one. It's hard to be nice to someone whom you just know that you would not like in real life.
🙂
Yeah, I'll give you that one. It's hard to be nice to someone whom you just know that you would not like in real life.
🙂
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
If you really want a pejorative comment from me I can come up with one. Would you like that?
If you really want a pejorative comment from me I can come up with one. Would you like that?
Adam Henson ·
Really? Wow, talk about First World problems... What result were you looking for? If you were really offended and wanted her to understand your feelings, why not take her aside and politely discuss your feelings? The poor hourly employee probably simply did not think her costume through. Seems like if you were so outraged and determined to make the news, why not put your energy to a REAL issue that needs immediate attention, say, like the lack of sufficient beds for our homeless population? How about having a fundraiser or actually putting in a day of work at a shelter?
You wanted your 15 mins of fame by staging a protest. Ok, you got it. Happy? I'm pretty sure the woman is not wearing the costume today nor will she ever wear it again.
You wanted your 15 mins of fame by staging a protest. Ok, you got it. Happy? I'm pretty sure the woman is not wearing the costume today nor will she ever wear it again.
Eve Slaven
I gots me a Hankerin fo a mess ov dem cakes
🥞...yum yum 
😋
🥞...yum yum 😋
Ginny Gupton ·
Aunt Jemima is a character. Just like Pennywise is a character. You must wear makeup to be either character. Racism comes from oppression, not dressing up as a character for Halloween. If you do not know the difference, then you are uneducated, an attention seeker, or racist yourself.
Sharon Bacon Sharp
yup and oppression went out the window the day Obama took office!
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 12:30pm
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Research blackface. There's a lot of ignorance on this thread.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 3:08am
David Cash
Just because blackface had racial connections back in the day doesn't mean this women in her Halloween costume was being racist. You have to have intent. This was a costume and by her response there was no intent to make some statement. On the other hand the protesters did have intent to make a racist statement about an issue that didn't exist. Contrary to some opinions in this thread, the students weren't heroes, courageous, or righting some wrong. They were misinformed and made an issue of something which further divided people over nothing. They should be taught the true meaning of racism before making any more stupid mistakes. Praising them is the opposite reaction anyone should have. This should be a teaching moment for them to learn restraint. Its not all about them.
Denis Meyer ·
Fred Hutchinson
She wasn't in blackface. She was in an Aunt Jemima costume. Totally different.
Blackface is when you blacken your face and outline your eyes and lips in white. She didn't do that so it's not considered "blackface".
She wasn't in blackface. She was in an Aunt Jemima costume. Totally different.
Blackface is when you blacken your face and outline your eyes and lips in white. She didn't do that so it's not considered "blackface".
Joseph Piccioni ·
What a bunch of in-great, spoiled, babies, that have nothing better to do.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Courageous students.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Joseph Piccioni, you are misguided. You served our country in ourn Navy swearing an Oath to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution. You are in no position to call them names, or to question what it would be "better" for them "to do."
The First and Ninth Amendments, in their majesty, protect their constitutional rights to protest. The 1964 Civil Rights Act suggests that the owner should not subject employees and customers to discrimination or a hostiel working environment.
Owner handled this poorly. You misspelled the word, "ingrate" -- but what possessed you call these great students "in-great, spoiled babies, that (sic) have nothing better to do?" Floridian or Freudian slip?
The First and Ninth Amendments, in their majesty, protect their constitutional rights to protest. The 1964 Civil Rights Act suggests that the owner should not subject employees and customers to discrimination or a hostiel working environment.
Owner handled this poorly. You misspelled the word, "ingrate" -- but what possessed you call these great students "in-great, spoiled babies, that (sic) have nothing better to do?" Floridian or Freudian slip?
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
He misspelled ingrate? God you're petty. How about you not putting 'to' between "possessed you" and "call these". How do you like grammar cops now?
He misspelled ingrate? God you're petty. How about you not putting 'to' between "possessed you" and "call these". How do you like grammar cops now?
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 10:45pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer Not petty. Russian trolls often give themselves away with their broken English, bad spelling and poor grammar. Like the one last year from Tampa, claimed to be a pro-Hillary Democrat, hurled hatred at Bernie Sanders, and asked me how dare I, "a commoner" question Hillary Clinton. So you're in Michigan?
Kimberly McLaurin Whittier
I think they were the racist one starting all that crap
Sue James ·
I cannot believe it never occurred to the employee or owner of the Bunnery that people would be offended by this ridiculous costume. Saint Augustine is a racially diverse city where people from all over the world come to visit and live.. No one stopped to think that blackface might be inappropriate in an establishment that is open to the public, or are you just that insensitive to other people's feelings? There are thousands of costumes to choose from. Why pick one that is bound to start a controversy and bring negative publicity to your business? The employee washed her blackface off, but not until she got a few photo ops in. I've never eaten at The Bunnery, and now I'll think twice before I do.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
I totally agree -- owner should have sent the cook home to change. Owner should not have called the cops.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:19pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Under the circumstances, I would not boycott. The students won.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:20pm
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Edward, thank you for being an ally and voice of reason in this thread. Hoya Saxa!
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 3:12am
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Fred Hutchinson Hoya Saxa!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Thank you!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
The employee dressed as Aunt Jemima was working in the window of the store, visible to everyone on St. George Street. What a message the business ownr presented by doing that, then calling the police when students questioned him.
Leonel Navarro ·
Although I am Hispanic and victim of racism in this country by a group of ignorant individuaIs, I think this is nonsense and ridiculous.
John Fox ·
Ummm .. not blackface. A simple search on Google will show what blackface was. How come you aren't protesting Eddie Murphy, he's done 'whiteface' many times for a laugh. His Jewish stereotype is a hilareous. But I guess his making fun of white Jewish men is OK with hypocrites like these children.
All they are interested in is being angry at something, they don't even have to understand it. But what would one expect at a university, they've had a recent history of shutting down all kinds of speech they don't agree with.
College students are the new facists ... they get angry and violent to shut down anything they don't like. They have done more to stifle freedoms than any other group in recent memory.
All they are interested in is being angry at something, they don't even have to understand it. But what would one expect at a university, they've had a recent history of shutting down all kinds of speech they don't agree with.
College students are the new facists ... they get angry and violent to shut down anything they don't like. They have done more to stifle freedoms than any other group in recent memory.
Brenda Andradzki Elliott Msw ·
Probably not the best choice for a Halloween costume. It's a matter of perspective. When I see "Aunt Jemima" I think of great pancakes. Other people see a referral to black slavery. Perhaps if I were not white I would get my hackles up. I can't say for sure. If I knew the person wearing this costume deliberately wanted to make a derogatory statement about "African Americans". I wouldn't like that but from the "offender's" statements it doesn't seem that was his intent. If you don't believe a person when they say they had no offensive intent, then you aren't willing to LISTEN or to THINK.. You can choose what to protest or get offended about. We have that right in this country - so far. I still think you cannot always know someone's intent or if they are sending a message. Sometimes a costume is just a costume and nothing more. People react to things and their reactions come from something that is deep seeded in their psychological make up and past experiences. It's complicated but often has no real basis in the present situation.
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
If there were no racist intent, she could have easily removed the blackface when these enlightened young folks complained to the owner.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 3:15am
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
Read the paper she did wash off!!even though I wouldn't of... freedom of speech and expression..last time I checked this was America
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
You have the freedom to engage in individual racism and people have the freedom to respond.
Reply · 13 hrs
Lisa Averill ·
Protesting someone, anyone dressing as "Aunt Jemima" athe n American symbolism of a great prodouct .... shows how uneducated the younger generation is. One can choose to perceive the costume choice as paying respect or homage to an American symbol that anyone in our generation realizes as a great product .. not a mockery. Geez Louise. Last night I went to the Rocky Horror Show ... where there were several men dressed in drag and women in drag as well ... no LGBT's protesting that! When I was a little girl, I asked my Mom to dress me up as a Chinese person because something about their culture spoke to me in a positive way. Get real, younger generation -- not EVERYTHING is a "disrespected" thought about YOU. It's about folks having fun and most likely honoroing a part of culture they appreciate.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
This is a restaurant, open to the public, required to comply with the 1964 Civil RIghts Act prohibition on discrimination.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:22pm
Michelle Patrick
Edward Adelbert Slavin how exactly did you determine they were in non compliance with the civil rights act. Did they post a sign stating they were refusing to serve certain races? You tell.others not to jump to conclusions based on lack of evidence yet you are clearly making a jump yourself in this comment.
David Cash
Edward Adelbert Slavin This has nothing to do with the civil rights act. There was no intent to discriminate. You are assuming facts not in evidence.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
David Cash Courts look at effects not Intent in determining whether there are civil rights violations, for clever people can hide their motivations. If any African-American employee or customer wanted to sue over any overt acts of discrimination, the blackface would make it a compellng case. Common sense should have prevailed without calling the cops or starting a demonstration. But the history of St. Augustine is rife with business owners and public officials who went too far.
Lisa Averill ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin She was wearing a costume. Period. It was HALLOWEEN. Did you bother to read the fact that the employee in that costume has BI-RACIAL grandchildren whome she loves? Of course, the STUDENT didn't bother to UNDERSTAND or ask what the motivation of the employee was in wearing the costume of an American product. Instead, when she didn't have her freakin' DEMANDS met, she instigated a protest not with adults, but fellow students. If you're going to be so anul about such things, then perhaps consider banning the Aunt Jemima brand, or any other brand that exemplifies not demeans an icon representing a multi-million product in sales. She probably won't, but if I were that employee I'd be filing a slander or defamation of character suit.
David Cash
Edward Adelbert Slavin we will have to agree to disagree on that. This would be a frivolous law suit if it ever went to court and likely would be thrown out once all the facts are known.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
David Cash Hard to say without reading a complaint and depositions. Why do you suppose it would be "frivolous?"
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Because it is frivolous to bring a ridiculous lawsuit such as that.
Because it is frivolous to bring a ridiculous lawsuit such as that.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer Tautology and self-referential, unadorned by law, logic or common sense. The employee in quo was working in the window, visible to tourists on St. George Street. Business owner lacked sensitivity. Glad that he apologized, after protest.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Lisa Averill You live in Texas?
Claudia Del Pezzo Morris ·
College students are really NOT ready for the real world! We ARE ALL DIFFERENT! GET OVER YOUR IMMATURE I’M OFFENDED BY EVERYTHING!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
These students saw a problem and solved it in five hours. How cool is that? Do you live in/near St. Augustine?
Reply · 11 hrs
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
And why should my sister n law say it's racists when what she dressed up as was a lady who bakes because that's what she does?? Who are those kids to try and make her say something she wasn't aware of..black face. I dont even know what that is... no-one would care if a black person painted their face white!! This is double standard and hyprocrital plain and simple! If those are a future doctors;lawyers, teachers well then god help us..all they showed was ignorance and close mindedness
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
It's an offensive racial stereotype. The students are right. They won. Stop ululating about it, people -- you're showing an unwillingness to learn and grown from a teachable moment.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 1:24pm
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
I strongly disagree... everyone has a right to their own opinion it's the United States...and just because u don't agree doesn't make u right!!! How did they win? She washed the paint off that's all it accomplished... all the ruckus,telling and jumping around for what? To get their one day of tv fame ? .. im not learning from something so pointless... sorry..
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 2:23pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Elise Pena Consciousness raised. Owner apologized. Promotes healing in our community.
Reply · Nov 1, 2017 6:03pm
Elise Pena ·
Works at Theo's Restaurant
The owner apologized yesterday.. this was a circus that shouldn't of happened especially on news
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Since you don't know what blackface is you should look it up instead of adding to the ignorance.
David Cash
Edward Adelbert Slavin you really think anyone's mind was changed by this spectacle. It just made more people disgusted with this kind of unfounded ridiculous behaviour. The responses in this thread are overwhelmingly on the side of the business owner.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
David Cash The root of "ridiculous" is "ridicule." Not constructive. And we don't take polls of online newspaper readers to determine right and wrong. How many of the commenters in this thread have you ever even met in St. Augustine? How many currently live here? Businesses must make customers happy. Snowflakes who can't stand criticism should find another line of work other than restaurants or retail stores. Whatever happened to "the customer is always right?" The business owner lost respect by calling the cops. He risked losing customers by bad PR.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
I believe that the owner apologized to get rid of the problem not because she really thought there was a problem.
I believe that the owner apologized to get rid of the problem not because she really thought there was a problem.
Denis Meyer ·
Fred Hutchinson
So Fred, explain to us exactly what"blackface" is.
So Fred, explain to us exactly what"blackface" is.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
The customer is not ALWAYS right. Sometimes the the customers were wrong.
The customer is not ALWAYS right. Sometimes the the customers were wrong.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
David Cash Spectacle? The employee in quo was working in the window when the students saw her. Performance art or publicity stunt?
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Black people paint their faces white when they are mimes. Please research blackface. Their is no equivalency here.
Mindy Nathan-Blaize
There is Evolution in understanding what entire races & ethnicities have been tortured with and are still dealing with. To say 'i don't get it so you should just chill'' or to infer someone is 'wrong' to feel their sensitivity is 'you' just being ignorant.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Kudos to Flagler College students Hasani Malone and Courtney Olson for organizing and picketing a local restaurant over its (white) baker's Aunt Jemima blackface costume on Halloween. Thanks to Jared Keever and The St. Augustine Record for covering the story. It appears the store owner may have showed poor judgment in not sending the employee home to change when she showed up to work in blackface. It appears that the store owner may have overreacted by calling the cops -- the robotic response of too many business owners to criticism or First Amendment protected activity. (I thought customerconcerns were supposed to be heard and heeded, not reported to the police. Ever heard of the saying, "The customer is always right"?)
The store owner apologized, eventually. Good, teachable moment.
Now let's scrutinize whether local retail stores discriminate against African-Americans in hiring. How many African-Americans work in historica area stores and restuaruants that are state-owned and city-owned?
The store owner apologized, eventually. Good, teachable moment.
Now let's scrutinize whether local retail stores discriminate against African-Americans in hiring. How many African-Americans work in historica area stores and restuaruants that are state-owned and city-owned?
Dawn Hornung Brazeale ·
I am so tired of everyone getting offended about EVERYTHING & ANYTHING nowadays....so lets file a lawsuit.... lets boycottt & ruin a business....people get over it....She didnt do it to offend anyone... she works in a bakery and was dressed as a famous baker... this a woman who has biracial gradchildren...did it as a cute costume.... People need to move on with their lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
1. Owner should have had sense to ask cook to remove blackface. Check chronology. SAPD called before the protest. Overreaction.
2. Students won. Owner apologized. Consciousness raised.
3. Students are "moving on with their lives" and they already are helping make this a better place with thir critical thinking, organizing and advocacy skills. How many of us older Americans could have mounted a campaign, raised consciousness, gotten media attention and won such a splendid victory in a single day? I reckon FB helps. I love their moxie. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stetson Kennedy and Dr. Robert S. Haying, DDS would have been very proud.
4. What's next? Desegregating employment in certain local stores and restaurants and government agencies? Like St. Augustine Beach City Hall.
5. "Aunt Jemima" was a fictional character in minstrel shows, not a "famous baker."
2. Students won. Owner apologized. Consciousness raised.
3. Students are "moving on with their lives" and they already are helping make this a better place with thir critical thinking, organizing and advocacy skills. How many of us older Americans could have mounted a campaign, raised consciousness, gotten media attention and won such a splendid victory in a single day? I reckon FB helps. I love their moxie. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stetson Kennedy and Dr. Robert S. Haying, DDS would have been very proud.
4. What's next? Desegregating employment in certain local stores and restaurants and government agencies? Like St. Augustine Beach City Hall.
5. "Aunt Jemima" was a fictional character in minstrel shows, not a "famous baker."
Sam Wilson ·
Cultural diversity? The Spanish were murderers, they killed Natives like it was nothing. St Augustine can't get enough of the Spanish, they just ignore the genocide.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Yes. But not entiely. It was on June 7, 2005 that United States District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr. ordered Rainbow flags to fly on our Bridge of Lions and along our Bayfront in honor of Gay Pride. Plaintiffs Rev. Ruth Jensen and Elizabeth Frbell and lawyer Karen Doering showed that St. Augustine founder Pedro Menendez de Aviles committed the first anti-Gay hate crime in what is now the United States when he ordered his brother-in-law to arrange the murder by garroting of a Gay French translator of the Guale Indian languge because he was a "Sodomite an a Lutheran." The First Amendment prevailed. The Gay Pride group was the ony entity ever forbidden to fly flags on the Bridge of Lions by the City of St. Augustine. It took only fourteen days from the City's 3-2 vote against us to the federal court's order that the 49 flags fly from June 8-13, 2005. That was the first in a string of dozens of public interest victories here. It takes a village. The students' victory on Halloween shows the way for new generations. We are proud of their perspicacity.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 8:05pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Also, no more City-paid and sponsored annual Noche de Gala in honor of founding murderer Menendez's birthday. Last one was in 2015. City of St. Augustine once paid for two galas each year. Florida League of Cities told me that no other Florida city had even one gala. Finis!
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 8:10pm
Joseph Toby ·
Omg! It’s just a Halloween costume people. Get over it. Miss the good old fun Flagler.
Ginny Gupton ·
Protests are allowed. However, from this perspective the little black girl dressed as Belle is racist. The kid dressed as a geisha is racist. Racism is not an issue of what color you apply to your face for Halloween or what you choose to dress as for a costume. I am offended that these students took an important discussion and lowered it to the level of unproductive rhetoric. How dare you start a public discussion based on a retail driven holiday? You want to do something? Then work productively for change. And yes, I have been judged based on criteria that is unfair. And while your at it, write the syrup company and explain your outrage.
Janet Hunt
read the history of the real woman who was called Aunt Jemima- she was someone to be proud of, not offensive
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Read they history of blackface. You don't get to decide what's offensive to other people.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 3:31am
Michelle Patrick
Fred Hutchinson. And you don't get to decide how others dress for Halloween because you choose to be offended. So this woman with biracial children has to dress your way because you deem her way is inappropriate, no.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 10:08am
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Fred Hutchinson Thank you. Some people want to dictate what others should think and how they should protest, then disrespect them if they did not conform to their unreasonable expectations. In 1964, my friend Barbara B. Allen was arrested on St. George Street after she went into a cafe and ordered coffee ("black like me," as she says). That business owners' sensibilities, like those of the Bunnery owner, do not trump civil rights.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 12:23pm
Denis Meyer ·
Michelle Patrick
You are so right. If someone wants to dress up as Aunt Jemima, it's up to you whether you want to get offended by it or walk on, shake your head, and walk on. Anybody can choose to be offended by ANYTHING. Just as Fred chooses to be offended by an Aunt Jemima outfit, you have the right to wear one.
You are so right. If someone wants to dress up as Aunt Jemima, it's up to you whether you want to get offended by it or walk on, shake your head, and walk on. Anybody can choose to be offended by ANYTHING. Just as Fred chooses to be offended by an Aunt Jemima outfit, you have the right to wear one.
El Ladria ·
Fred Hutchinson There are some people who must really enjoy getting offended - as they do it so often. And if they are offended - so what? Nothing happens. You don't get up in the morning and say "Yesterday I was offended and today I have leprosy." And what makes their being offended so vastly important? No offense was meant.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
El Ladria Russian troll much? You have one Facebook friend and your profile states:
Studied at Kutaisi State University
From Tbilisi, Georgia
Studied at Kutaisi State University
From Tbilisi, Georgia
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Obviously, i didn't decide because i would have told her how ridiculous it is to think it's okay to wear blackface in 2017. Some people are so backwards. We have such a long way to go if this discussion is still necessary.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Did you write that you were born to American parents stationed there in Georgia? Did you write that you now live in St. Augustine? Did you then delete these comments?? Your "legend" is implausible. I reckon FSB and Putin will have other work for you now.
Michael Alonzo ·
Are you freaking kidding me? You can never compare black face to "white face ever in history it's just doesn't make sense the two instances are completely based on two different things from two different perspectives . A white" woman putting black make up on her face and body disrespects my grandmother my great grand mother her mother and every other black woman too. It's unsettling that so many white people on this thread are ok with this. Racism is more alive or should I say more out in the open now than any other time in recent history. Growing up it never really affected me but now we can clearly see all the undercover racist who are now confident to stand up and body say yeah I am and what are you going to do about it.
Michelle Patrick
Yes do tell the womam with biracial children and grand.children shes racist againt what her own family. Please
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 10:10am
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick It's not about the cook. It's about the business owner's calling the cops because customers complained about racist costume.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 12:25pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
CNN reported 10/27: "Blackface, of course, is the most verboten and overtly offensive of costume choices." No other business in St. Augustine was reported to have had employees in blackface on Halloween 2017. But as JFK said during the Cuban Missile Crisis, "there's always some poor SOB who doesn't get the word."
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 12:31pm
Michael Alonzo ·
Michelle Patrick then if she knew better than makes it 1000% worse or maybe she doesn't know she just happens to have biracial children and grandchildren in that case I say she needs to educate herself bc clearly she isn't she should probably call up her black in-laws and she exactly what this means to them and I will get my salary they would be ok with it...just like Caucasians who have many ethnic friends and this misappropriation of culture is ok and using certain diction is ok we'll I'm here to tell you if no one in your family uses it and you do it just to fit in or bc it makes you cool it's doesn't have several seats Michelle Patrick and for the record nothing NOTHING justifies bad or offensive behavior especially claiming ignorance
Michelle Patrick
Michael Alonzo you assume too much and I will express my opinions just like anyone else.
Michelle Patrick
Edward Adelbert Slavin the business owner did not call.the.cops because they expressed their opinions they called the cops because she refused to leave until the cook took off the costume.
Michael Alonzo ·
Michelle Patrick so I guess thata check mate?
Michelle Patrick
Michael Alonzo not at all you want to find the negative in the situation and assume ill intent. I choose to see no ill will or intent in this situation. There are clearly racial issues in this country, there are.clear issues of imhumanity, focusing on a Halloween costume assuming ill will or racism just takes away from actual cases of racism. Like the little sociopath girl that just got arrested.for.attempting to poison her African American roommate at.college released on $1k bail. I'm of Cherokee decent.yet Ive been called.caucasian and had white privilege comments made to me in.this thread; again assumptions.dont make something so. Also.I.would.never be offended by someone dressing up for Halloween as an indian.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick Were you there, or driving under the inference? I've requested copies of the police repors from Chief Fox. Business owners need to learn some manners and need to treat customers with respect. The era of calling the police in St. Augustine to browbeat dissenters is over. We elected Mayor Nancy Shaver to end the days of corruption and collusion, when all a business owner had to do was call City Manager Bill Harriss and have an artist or musician arrested on St. George Street.
Michelle Patrick
Edward Adelbert Slavin Wow why don't you stop reporting my post. You make a generalized racisted assumption and statement directly in response to my post, I counter to.show your incorrect and you.report my post so.theyre deleted,.You Sir are violating MY civil liberties.
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
You just took JFK's quote totally out of context. Smh
You just took JFK's quote totally out of context. Smh
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick I have not reported anyone's post. You're driving under the inference. Must have been someone else. What did the post(s) say?
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Slave owners had sexual relations with slave women, producing children, but they were still racist.
Bret Maltzon
with the world in a wirl wind ,this is what these geniuses have to protest? beyond the kingdom of dumb. colleg students? brilliant. scary.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Insulting their intelligence does not elevate yours.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 12:24pm
Denis Meyer ·
Stop raising such wimpy little entitled whiners that, rather than learn in class, would rather skip their classes and go out to carry a sign and WHINE.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
I can just feel the love. Sorry you're inarticulate. (Denis Meyer pejorative post number 5).
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 6:18pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Why do you assume anyone skipped classes? Halloween fell on Tuesday this year, and many college students arrange their schedules so as to have Tuesdays and Thursdays free for internships or jobs. That's what I did as a freshman and sophomore at Georgetown, when I worked for Senator Ted Kennedy. Many local college students here in St. Augustine do the same. Why are you so angry at Flagler College students in a state far from you on an issue that does not affect you in Michigan? Did you read about this on the Internet? Where?
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 7:49pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
YOU? Think that I'm inarticulate? You show no reason for that accusation.
So Efdie, show me why you think that I'm inarticulate.
I'm always ready to learn from such great orators such as you.
YOU? Think that I'm inarticulate? You show no reason for that accusation.
So Efdie, show me why you think that I'm inarticulate.
I'm always ready to learn from such great orators such as you.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 9:51pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Well if they change their schedules around to facilitate their internships and jobs then why did they skip their internships and jobs?
Well if they change their schedules around to facilitate their internships and jobs then why did they skip their internships and jobs?
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer Non sequitur. So what if they skipped class? Who are you to judge?
Denis Meyer ·
In this case no apology is necessary from the business owner.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
He apologized. Get over it. Students were right. You're from Michigan, you're wrong, you're rude and I'm wondering who put the fox in your bosom? I will pray for you.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 6:21pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
Eddie, why are you concerned that I am from Michigan?
You think that I am rude but I'm just disagreeing with your view. I do have that right. You have been disagreeing with half of the comments here. Seriously, explain to us why you have such a problem with my being from Michigan.
Eddie, why are you concerned that I am from Michigan?
You think that I am rude but I'm just disagreeing with your view. I do have that right. You have been disagreeing with half of the comments here. Seriously, explain to us why you have such a problem with my being from Michigan.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 9:58pm
Denis Meyer ·
Edward Adelbert Slavin
I actually believe you don't pray so don't bother praying for me. God and I have a good relationship already. Worry about yourself. Ed, do you have a relationship with God? Have you been saved. Does God walk with you through your life. If not, email me and I can show you the way to the Lord. I'm being serious here.
I actually believe you don't pray so don't bother praying for me. God and I have a good relationship already. Worry about yourself. Ed, do you have a relationship with God? Have you been saved. Does God walk with you through your life. If not, email me and I can show you the way to the Lord. I'm being serious here.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 10:25pm
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You're funny.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
How many out-of-state angry people, with no apparent connection to St. Augustine, came to to this story since November 1 for the sole purpose of posting orders ukases, insults, ad hominems and pejoratives directed against the courageous Flagler College students and their supporters? The Flagler College students swiftly and skillfully won an important victory and taught an important lesson to all business owners on Halloween. How is it that several angry people came to this page and inflicted their venom here? ESP? Conscious parallelism? John Birch Society? KKK? It brings back memories. I fondly remember circa 1970, when I was 13, receiving several out-of-state hate mail when I published a letter in Linn's Stamp News calling for postage stamps for MLK and RFK. (My suggestions were eventually followed). One psychotic redbaitking piece of hate mail was largely typed IN CAPITAL LETTERs, some of them in red, calling me names. I wore the haters' scorn as a badge of honor. To the Flagler Students: wear the haters' scorn as a bdge of honor. Do keep asking questions. Demand answers. Expect democracy. It's our town and our time. You've promoted change and a dialogue. We won't be intimidated by nattering nabobs of negativism, louche lugubrious goobers, whom some people would call "outside agitators," not unlike the thugs and mugs who committed crimes in Charlottesville.
Michelle Patrick
How many people moved to the area three years ago,.make their own racist assumptions and comments and.then.when.countered.by someone with far more.local history than you you report their post.
Reply · Nov 2, 2017 7:44pm
Denis Meyer ·
Eddie, I am interested in this article because racism is a huge issue in this country, all across this country and I do not think that this event warrants the tag of racism. There are way too many "cry wolf" calls of racism going on nowadays.
With an issue this important what happens there affects the entire issue.
With an issue this important what happens there affects the entire issue.
Denis Meyer ·
You say all these things about me and think that I'm so angry. You throw out all of these scare words like Birch Society, KKK, etc. and try to make people think that those us who don't agree with YOU are bad, awful, mean, and nasty but we only disagree with you. I, for one, am totally against racism but I think that the case for racism, in the issue we are currently discussing is a little thin.
You need a thicker skin Ed, if you want to comment on things. You have to know that there are others with different options than yours.
You need a thicker skin Ed, if you want to comment on things. You have to know that there are others with different options than yours.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer You're thin-skinned, overbearing and insulting, sitting there in Michigan (or is it Moscow), beginning your posts by saying "Shut up?" Getting offended that someone else was offended here in St. Augustine?
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Michelle Patrick I've lived here since 1999. You don't live in or near St. Augustine.
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
Denis Meyer Are you a Russian?
Janet Hunt
everyone is not a racist, sometimes people are just not sensitive enough to know what offends others. I'm offended b y many thngs as a woman but I'm not going to spend my life fighting every single thing. This is a country of diversity and yes, there is so much racism it defies one's imagination, I truly don't understand how someone can hate someone else because of the colour of their skin,
Janet Hunt
srry, Fred but my commemt is misunderstood, my fault. I meant, by not offensive tha tthe person of Aunt Jemima is not offensive. Of course I can't dictate what is offensive. Thanks for the dialoque.
Janet Hunt
everyone offends someone at some point. I don't think the restaurant should be sued, it was brought to their attention and there is no history of being offensive .
Fred Hutchinson ·
Works at College of Lake County
Fine. It was a poor choice, as is defending blackface. If you don't understand what it's like to have to endure racial insensitivity in businesses where you are spending your hard earned money, it's good to listen to and learn from those who have rather than downplaying the significance of those experiences. That's the only way we'll make progress.
Reply · 13 hrs
Edward Adelbert Slavin ·
I'm offended by racial stereotypes. Did you attend the City's Journey exhibit in 2014 and see the examples of racist American consumer product imagery? The business owner knew or should have known that his employee's Aunt Jemima portrayal in his window would offend people. He allowed it anyway. Why?
-------------
From Historic City News blog:
Flagler students picket St George Street restaurant
One of St Augustine’s favorite breakfast and lunch restaurants was the victim (sic) of picketing by Flagler College students; then later in the day, members of the extremist (sic) group, Black Lives Matter.
This morning, Halloween morning, the Bunnery told their employees that it would be okay for them to wear a costume to work instead of their regular uniforms. Lori, the baker, is a long-time employee who other employees told Historic City News editor Michael Gold, is well liked by her co-workers as well as regular customers. She thought, for her costume this year, she would make a little fun of her job that involves baking breads, pastries, and making pancakes and waffles in the kitchen. She made her own costume modeled after the character of Aunt Jemima.
Restaurant owner, George Cross, saw the costume when he overheard some of the other employees laughing about it. Cross said that he had no idea what any of the employees intended to dress as, and since no one working this morning expressed objections to Lori’s costume, including two black employees that we spoke to for this article, he didn’t give it a second thought.
An incident occurred about 10:00 a.m., when a Flagler College student, Courtney Olson, from Fort Collins Colorado, came in as she has on past occasions. Although Olson is white, she says she felt offended by the baker’s choice of Halloween costume that included dark-brown makeup to make her look like the fictional character.
Olson pointed out to the manager that white people in black face is considered a racial stereotype. Olson advised the employee to get out of her makeup, then Olson left the St George Street restaurant. Although Olson left without incident at that time, as soon as she left, she reached out to another Flagler College student who says she is the local organizer for the national Black Lives Matter movement.
The friend, Hasani Malone, who lives in Atlanta when she’s not in school, returned to the Bunnery with Olson and immediately became disruptive just inside the doorway to the dining room. The owner heard the disturbance and came to see what had the student’s so adjugated. Malone, who is black, demanded that Cross and Lori stop their “racist” portrayal of Aunt Jemima and that they both apologize for having done so.
Not wanting to escalate the situation any further, Cross told Historic City News that he made an attempt to explain what the employee had done, that it was not malicious or racially motivated, and that he apologized for any misinterpretation of Lori’s intentions. That was not enough for Malone who continued to argue, getting louder and louder, and at one point, profane. That is when Cross said he ordered them both out of the restaurant and called the police to restore the peace.
Community Affairs Officer Delarn Brown was one of the officers who responded to the call. He reported that by the time he arrived, the employee was already out off her costume and makeup. Brown said Lori was very upset at being called racist; first of all, because she isn’t and secondly, she raised two daughters — one of whom happened to have married a black man and another who happened to have married a Hispanic man. She has mixed-race grandchildren and says she loves them dearly.
Police notified Olson and Malone that were not to return to the premises or they would face arrest for trespassing. Both acknowledged the warning and they began a social media campaign, text messaging, phone calls, e-mail, telling all of their Flagler friends to come rally with the protestors, and the pair set about making signs for pickets who were on the way.
Gold spoke with Dr. Daniel Stewart, Vice President of Student Services at Flagler College, who walked over to observe what was taking place. He told Historic City News that, as far as he knew, none of the students had been excused from classes to participate in the demonstration. He also said that there is no school policy that prohibits students from participating in lawful assemblies, including protests, nor would they be punished for expressing themselves to the extent that they were not breaking any laws. We were told by a few participants that one or more Flagler faculty members were at the scene, providing encouragement to the students; however, we were not able to identify them, if those statements were true.
Soon after lunch, more people known to local law enforcement and reporters as members of the Jacksonville Black Lives Matter and Antifa organizations, started showing up and a fluid crowd with a core of 15-20 was sustained between 40-50 protestors at any time. At one point, six uniformed police officers were in attendance, however, the crowd never became violent and police made no arrests.
At 4:00 p.m., closing time for the Bunnery, the owner came out onto the street, escorted by Patrolman Gary Johnson. Cross addressed the two students who were at the heart of the demonstration, offering a sincere apology and listening to their remarks. Although Olson, who had been out in front of the business all day, offered her thanks and acceptance of the apology, Malone continued to pepper Cross with complaints and demands for future steps to prevent such an occurrence from ever happening again.
Demeaning confronts nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteAnd says we'll have this no more,
One person's icon of good times,
Is another's of slavery to deplore,
But both are slaves in the present,
An oppression they will never see,
Xtrevilism keeps them mired in the past,
As the rich man chuckles with glee,
The icons now that enslave them both,
Are accepted as normal and routine,
Corporate logos of the now slave masters,
Are everywhere to be seen,
Full Spectrum Dominance,
Is the name of their game,
Conflict In The Masses,
Is the policy's name,
You must rise above the ruse,
If you ever hope to be free,
Direct your anger too the rich,
Who incite you to disagree...
Love one another,
Deprogram from the hate,
Study and learn,
It is never too late!
http://saintaugdog.com/sadarticles/immoralsnobsignoretheir%20corruption.html