Around 150 Western Illinois University students and others protested outside a Macomb business. A video shows the owner of Spirit in the Sky using a racial slur while arguing with Black customers.
The business on West Jackson Street sells costumes and clothing.
The student chapter of the NAACP organized the demonstration. President Janae Brown said they’re calling the protest the Think Twice Movement.
“It’s a movement that will let businesses in Macomb know to think twice before saying racial slurs or doing anything that’s racially motivated towards the minorities here in Macomb,” she said.
Brown said the NAACP promotes change through peaceful means, and she appreciated the turnout for the rally.
“People of different races and ethnicities, they all came out and supported this movement. It lets us know WIU can form a community. WIU can stand together. And it’s not just one group of people. It’s everyone. Everyone feels that this is an important movement,” Brown said.
Several people spoke during the rally, including LeRon Williams, Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center.
“First and foremost, I would love to say this is a beautiful thing. Very beautiful,” he said.
“I don’t know how many times you guys have seen a gathering like this with multiple ethnicities banding together to march for one cause. This is beautiful and this is how it should always be.”
WIU senior Cheyenne Henderson thanked demonstrators for their support. She’s one of the customers seen in the video as store owner Celene Cross makes the racist comment.
Henderson believes the rally will make a difference in the long run.
“Once her pockets start to hurt and she can’t afford the things she used to be able to, then it’ll make a difference,” she said.
Henderson said she feels safe in Macomb -- though not at Spirit in the Sky.
Police were called to the store during the altercation, which happened on Oct. 27. The one person charged with a crime is store owner Celene Cross. Police said she pushed an officer and was charged with resisting/obstructing an officer.
Others have been quick to condemn Cross’ comment.
WIU President Guiyou Huang issued an email to the campus community in which he said, “We must publicly denounce this clear act of racism toward our students. Racist acts, no matter how subtle or overt, cannot be ignored nor tolerated.”
Western’s Anti-Racism Task Force also issued a statement, saying it stands with President Huang and Mayor Mike Inman in condemning racism, specifically the actions of the business owner. “The safety and security of the Macomb and University communities are of utmost priority,” the ARTF statement reads.
In its statement, the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce said it does not stand for discrimination of any kind. It said, “The recent altercation between the owner of Spirit in the Sky, who is not a Chamber member, and the five students at Western Illinois University is appalling and shameful.”
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