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Racial slurs shock business owners
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| Michael Terrell and his mother Eileen Terrell stand in front of their Willcox restaurant, which was painted with racial slurs, including swastikas, sometime in the early hours of Monday morning. (Dave Brown/ARN) |
By Carol Broeder/Arizona Range News
A Willcox businessman went to work Monday to find someone had covered the walls of his restaurant with racial slurs.
Slogans such "No N----- 4 Presaditend," "F--- Obama and Mike's Mama," and "White Power???," along with swastikas, are scrawled in spray paint across Michael's Restaurant on Haskell Avenue. Someone also threw a brick through his window.
Owner Michael Terrell said that he has received death threats ever since he showed the televised presidential candidate debates at his lounge.
Terrell and employee Marty Huaraque, a Republican, got into their own debate, which was heard by customers there at the time.
Terrell is for Obama and Huaraque was a McCain supporter who has since changed his mind.
"It's been a couple of weeks that we've had the threats," Huaraque told the Range News.
"It started after the debate. We got a few calls that were not good - threatening."
Huaraque, who moved to Willcox from Glendale about five weeks ago, said, "Michael gave me a job and a home - free room and board."
"We didn't clean up here until 1 a.m., and then we wake up to this mess," Huaraque said.
"That is disgusting," said Al Rodriguez, a regular customer at Michael's who happened on the scene this morning.
"I feel like throwing up."
"Whoever did this is full of hate," said Michael's mother, Eileen Terrell. "Being Christians, all we can do is pray for them. They need our prayers."
For his part, Terrell is simply bewildered by what has happened.
"If it's about the election, they can vote," he told the Range News. "Everybody has a right to their opinion."
"When Mom and I closed the nursing home (The Hacienda), we talked about what we should do and where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives. We truly felt Willcox was the place to be - that it's the kind of place this would not happen."
"All I wanted to do is open a restaurant with good food and good service, where people can be comfortable and relaxed. We accepted everybody. Everybody who needed a second chance was welcome here. I don't ever turn anybody away."
"This just really, really hurts me," Terrell said.
Mayor Sam Lindsey told the Range News he is angry about what he saw at Michael's Restaurant this morning.
"It's unimaginable for something like this to happen in Willcox, said Lindsey, adding that he has offered to organize a citizens work party to help Terrell re-paint the building "if he needs it."
"Michael told me he wanted to think about it a little bit," he said.
This turn of events has hurt Terrell's new business, which was already struggling.
"I'm not a quitter," he told the Range News. "I have given this business my money, my blood, and my sweat every single day. Not once did I pull out the race card. I find it hard to believe in 2008 that would be it."
"The Christian in me won't give in. I'm not going to go out easily. My Mom said I should bury my head in the sand. I can't," Terrell said, shaking his head. "I just can't do that. That's why I put the 'Vote Obama' sign up this morning."
The Terrells wanted their story publicized nationally, so that people would believe this still happens today.
Already, Willcox residents are stepping forward not only to express their outrage but to offer their support, as well.
Earlier Monday, someone gave Terrell $200 to buy paint for his restaurant, and he has received numerous offers to help paint over the graffiti.
"I believe if the good people are aware of it, we can stop it," Terrell told the Range News.
Willcox Chief of Police, Jake Weaver, said the incident is still under investigation, and police are interviewing "a couple of persons of interest."
Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at (520) 384-4673. Callers may remain anonymous.
Slogans such "No N----- 4 Presaditend," "F--- Obama and Mike's Mama," and "White Power???," along with swastikas, are scrawled in spray paint across Michael's Restaurant on Haskell Avenue. Someone also threw a brick through his window.
Owner Michael Terrell said that he has received death threats ever since he showed the televised presidential candidate debates at his lounge.
Terrell and employee Marty Huaraque, a Republican, got into their own debate, which was heard by customers there at the time.
Terrell is for Obama and Huaraque was a McCain supporter who has since changed his mind.
"It's been a couple of weeks that we've had the threats," Huaraque told the Range News.
"It started after the debate. We got a few calls that were not good - threatening."
Huaraque, who moved to Willcox from Glendale about five weeks ago, said, "Michael gave me a job and a home - free room and board."
"We didn't clean up here until 1 a.m., and then we wake up to this mess," Huaraque said.
"That is disgusting," said Al Rodriguez, a regular customer at Michael's who happened on the scene this morning.
"I feel like throwing up."
"Whoever did this is full of hate," said Michael's mother, Eileen Terrell. "Being Christians, all we can do is pray for them. They need our prayers."
For his part, Terrell is simply bewildered by what has happened.
"If it's about the election, they can vote," he told the Range News. "Everybody has a right to their opinion."
"When Mom and I closed the nursing home (The Hacienda), we talked about what we should do and where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives. We truly felt Willcox was the place to be - that it's the kind of place this would not happen."
"All I wanted to do is open a restaurant with good food and good service, where people can be comfortable and relaxed. We accepted everybody. Everybody who needed a second chance was welcome here. I don't ever turn anybody away."
"This just really, really hurts me," Terrell said.
Mayor Sam Lindsey told the Range News he is angry about what he saw at Michael's Restaurant this morning.
"It's unimaginable for something like this to happen in Willcox, said Lindsey, adding that he has offered to organize a citizens work party to help Terrell re-paint the building "if he needs it."
"Michael told me he wanted to think about it a little bit," he said.
This turn of events has hurt Terrell's new business, which was already struggling.
"I'm not a quitter," he told the Range News. "I have given this business my money, my blood, and my sweat every single day. Not once did I pull out the race card. I find it hard to believe in 2008 that would be it."
"The Christian in me won't give in. I'm not going to go out easily. My Mom said I should bury my head in the sand. I can't," Terrell said, shaking his head. "I just can't do that. That's why I put the 'Vote Obama' sign up this morning."
The Terrells wanted their story publicized nationally, so that people would believe this still happens today.
Already, Willcox residents are stepping forward not only to express their outrage but to offer their support, as well.
Earlier Monday, someone gave Terrell $200 to buy paint for his restaurant, and he has received numerous offers to help paint over the graffiti.
"I believe if the good people are aware of it, we can stop it," Terrell told the Range News.
Willcox Chief of Police, Jake Weaver, said the incident is still under investigation, and police are interviewing "a couple of persons of interest."
Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at (520) 384-4673. Callers may remain anonymous.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of willcoxrangenews.com.
bg wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:03 PM:
" Yet another reason why I am ashamed of having Willcox, AZ as my home town. "
Sierra Vista White Woman wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:06 PM:
" Sometimes I am ashamed to be a member of the human race. Come on people, this is the twenty first century!
These hate crimes must be stopped and prosecuted to the fullest. I only hope Willcox law enforcement was able to gather evidence and the perpetrators will receive the maximum punishment. Kudos to the citizens of Willcox who are offering to help Mr. Terrell get his business back up an running. "
These hate crimes must be stopped and prosecuted to the fullest. I only hope Willcox law enforcement was able to gather evidence and the perpetrators will receive the maximum punishment. Kudos to the citizens of Willcox who are offering to help Mr. Terrell get his business back up an running. "
James allen wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:53 PM:
" To the owner of the resturant,
DONT BE AFRAID
KEEP RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS and exercise your own opinion. " Those pieces of Scum are nothing but cowards. They are the ones AFRAID otherwise they would have stuck around and showed their "cowardly faces". But no they "sprayed and SPRINTED" !!
Thats why I said DO NOT BE AFRAID. otherwise, they won !
This reminds me of a similar incident that happened in south of Sierra Vista in a community called MIRACLE VALLEY.
This was a christian school that was operated and owed by Black family.
However, racist groups including a
"KKK like sheriff" had terrorized thier facility because there didnt seem no
"whiteness in it".
However, instead of staying and FIGHTING, the Black family had "thrown in the towel" and thus packed up and moved to Chicago.
To be honest, I was angry at the Black Family for giving up and letting these racial bigots have thier way.
Don't you (Terrel) dare do the same.
Who knows, those "pieces of scum" who wrote the graffiti could have been "passers thru town" and went on out of state.
So dont you let some perpetrators thow a "bad seed" in a town to spoil your stay in a town that most likely doesnt represent the "bad seed" ! "
DONT BE AFRAID
KEEP RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS and exercise your own opinion. " Those pieces of Scum are nothing but cowards. They are the ones AFRAID otherwise they would have stuck around and showed their "cowardly faces". But no they "sprayed and SPRINTED" !!
Thats why I said DO NOT BE AFRAID. otherwise, they won !
This reminds me of a similar incident that happened in south of Sierra Vista in a community called MIRACLE VALLEY.
This was a christian school that was operated and owed by Black family.
However, racist groups including a
"KKK like sheriff" had terrorized thier facility because there didnt seem no
"whiteness in it".
However, instead of staying and FIGHTING, the Black family had "thrown in the towel" and thus packed up and moved to Chicago.
To be honest, I was angry at the Black Family for giving up and letting these racial bigots have thier way.
Don't you (Terrel) dare do the same.
Who knows, those "pieces of scum" who wrote the graffiti could have been "passers thru town" and went on out of state.
So dont you let some perpetrators thow a "bad seed" in a town to spoil your stay in a town that most likely doesnt represent the "bad seed" ! "
Mike Jackson wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:40 PM:
" What a disgusting act. That kind of thing has no place in America, no place at all. People working hard to build a good life are what America is about. Terrell is a far better American than this anonymous vandal. "
Emma J wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:57 PM:
" I grew up in Willcox in the 80's. While this type of behavior is horribly inappropriate, I must admit that I'm not surprised. I myself encountered quite a few closed minds that had a difficult time dealing with people who have different views, although nothing like this ever happened. I will say "Bravo" to the folks who want to help Mr. Terrell. Now *that* is the true spirit of America, not that hate-filled crud that was spewed. "
Phoenix resident wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:44 AM:
" Racism such as this should not exist today or ever. I am really saddened and sickened by this event. My thoughts, prayers, and support whole-heartedly go to Mr. Terrell and his family. Please continue to carry on and not allow this type of hatred to discourage you. Best of luck to you.
I do wish that this story would gain more media coverage. People need to be aware that hatred/racism like this is still healthy in this country, and we have yet a long road to travel before it is squashed from existence in our society. Tolerance and love for others is what every person should strive for. "
I do wish that this story would gain more media coverage. People need to be aware that hatred/racism like this is still healthy in this country, and we have yet a long road to travel before it is squashed from existence in our society. Tolerance and love for others is what every person should strive for. "
Just someone who carebout small town America wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:09 PM:
" I sent your story to Good Morning America,I hope they read,maybe the scoundrells will be ambarrassed! "
Dana McGuiire wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:31 PM:
" Racism will exist where ever ignorance is allowed to breed.
I grew up in Willcox and graduated there. There is no lack of ignorance among a small, select few. But again, it's only a few.
The majority of those who chose to live in a desert environment are supportive of their fellow man and especially their neighbors. You have to be. It can be a hostile environment, and you must know that you can count on your neighbors in times of need.
THIS act of cowardice does nothing to help each of us feel closer to our neighbors. It is nothing short of domestic terrorism when you instill doubt and fear among a region as these...people...have done. The criminals with some thing to say, but without cajones big enough to say it to anyone's face deserve to be prosecuted as low-life terrorists too.
As for Mr. Terrell and his restaurant....stay strong. And if I am able to come visit this coming spring, I will be sure to be sure to come in for a meal
:)
Good luck to you all.
Dana McGuire "
I grew up in Willcox and graduated there. There is no lack of ignorance among a small, select few. But again, it's only a few.
The majority of those who chose to live in a desert environment are supportive of their fellow man and especially their neighbors. You have to be. It can be a hostile environment, and you must know that you can count on your neighbors in times of need.
THIS act of cowardice does nothing to help each of us feel closer to our neighbors. It is nothing short of domestic terrorism when you instill doubt and fear among a region as these...people...have done. The criminals with some thing to say, but without cajones big enough to say it to anyone's face deserve to be prosecuted as low-life terrorists too.
As for Mr. Terrell and his restaurant....stay strong. And if I am able to come visit this coming spring, I will be sure to be sure to come in for a meal
:)
Good luck to you all.
Dana McGuire "
D. Julian Montelbano wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:10 PM:
" As a frequent visitor to Willcox, Bowie & San Simon to visit my mother, I have always been amazed at how friendly people in those towns are. Fortunately, ther majority are.
My suggestion for the mental midget(s) spewing hate and defacing other people's property --- spend that enery learning how to spell properly. "
My suggestion for the mental midget(s) spewing hate and defacing other people's property --- spend that enery learning how to spell properly. "
Aaron J. wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:06 PM:
" The vandals' intended attack seems to lose some impact when they can't even spell "president" correctly or spell out the word "for."
Still, it disgusts me that there are those people of such bitter hatred and even bigger idiocy who feel that this is the best way to convey their message.
Cowards, the lot of them. May they be brought to justice.
Also, may Mr. Terrell find strength in this insidious crime and may he go on and thrive, despite it. "
Still, it disgusts me that there are those people of such bitter hatred and even bigger idiocy who feel that this is the best way to convey their message.
Cowards, the lot of them. May they be brought to justice.
Also, may Mr. Terrell find strength in this insidious crime and may he go on and thrive, despite it. "
Frank Edward Blanchard wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:22 AM:
It is appalling and an outrage that this kind of bigotry can happen in Wilcox Arizona.
However looking at a reality there are some very strong feelings about having a black President,
I personally have no problem with the concept of having a black President "
I had these concerns right from the beginning when he started running politically for that position of President of the United States.
My major concern was for the gentleman's well-being, there are still a minority out there that most likely will not allow a black President.
However my advice to those that think that way. Is definitely get over it.
As for whoever wrote the graffiti on the walls of that restaurant what a ridiculous display of racial bigotry.
For the owner of the restaurant my sympathies don't judge the whole book by a few rotten pages.
There are many of us that live in this area around Wilcox that don't believe in the racial hate card.
I for one would love to help paint your walls . But for now all I can say is that will be bringing my family to have dinner as soon as possible.
And I urge everyone in the community to help support the man's business and go out to dinner or lunch to show support for a hard-working business owner in the community.
This is a letter of support for a hard-working businessman who is only trying to have a piece of the American dream.
So please everybody go have a meal.
Frank Edward Blanchard "