When racists show off, the Black community shows out. Case in point: Black restauranteur Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan.
Last week, Cole refused to serve free meals to police officers in solidarity with “the thousands of protestors both in Atlanta and across the country who are taking a stand against social injustice.” The statement—misinterpreted to suggest officers were no longer welcome at all—was immediately met with racist backlash.
According to a tweet, white people left 1-star reviews for the plant-based eatery in an attempt to thwart business and ruin her reputation.
However, in response to the hate the Atlanta-based entrepreneur received, celebrities—including Gabrielle Union, Ludacris, La La Anthony, and Chris Paul—paid for an entire day’s worth of business to serve the community free food on June 30.
“Such great food and truly great people,” Union tweeted. “Glad we could help out. Hate will never win #WeAllWeGot StrongerTogether.”
Such great food and truly great people!! Glad we could help out. Hate will never win #WeAllWeGot #StrongerTogether https://t.co/rwLySq9h7z
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) June 30, 2020
“A huge thank you to our family, @lala, @gabunion, @ludacris and @cp3 for showing us love,” Slutty Vegan posted to Instagram. “This was one for the books!”
This isn’t the first time Black celebrities and patrons turned things around for a Black-owned business. The Black Twitter community used its influence to help boost sales for The Honey Pot after racist trolls attempted to break her down.
“Atlanta, today we made history,” Cole said to acknowledge the mile-long line and support Slutty Vegan received.” We are overwhelmed and humbled at how YOU showed up for us today! We do not take this for granted.”