Café Owner: Allergic to Black People? Don't Eat Here

Martha-Renee Kolleh, owner of a café in the overwhelmingly white town of Ossett in West Yorkshire, England, contends that a number of potential customers cross the threshold of her business and turn away upon discovering that she's black, according to the BBC. Suggested Reading The Root 100 – 2020 Black History Month – 2022 Hip-Hop…

Martha-Renee Kolleh, owner of a café in the overwhelmingly white town of Ossett in West Yorkshire, England, contends that a number of potential customers cross the threshold of her business and turn away upon discovering that she's black, according to the BBC.

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Fed up with the unspoken bigotry and prejudice, she decided to confront the challenge head on by posting a warning sign on the door.

The sign on the door of Yeanon Cafe in Ossett, West Yorkshire, reads: "I am a black woman … If you are allergic to black people, don't come in."

Martha-Renee Kolleh said some people "take a look at me and walk out".

Local councillor Tony Richardson said he was "shocked" as he did not believe racism was widespread in the town.

A spokesman for Wakefield Council said it was "obviously concerned" by the issue which it had not been made aware of before.

"I would urge the business involved to get in touch with us as soon as possible," the spokesman added.

Figures for ethnicity from the 2011 Census show that of Ossett's population of 16,116, 97.5% (15,724) were recorded as white.

Ms Kolleh said the reaction to the sign, which adds that the cafe serves "quality wholesome meals", had been mixed.

"Some people find it amusing, they were laughing and said 'oh yes it's about time you put that up', so I think they all realise what's going on here," she said.

Read more at the BBC.

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