Family Nissan Dealership Gifts Electric Car to Woman Who Found Racial Slur on Oil Change Sticker
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A heartwarming act of generosity has taken place as a New York car dealership, Family Nissan, gifted Makayla Starks with a brand-new Nissan Leaf, an all-electric car, after a distressing incident where she found a racial slur on an oil change sticker from a different dealership. The unfortunate incident occurred at Kunes Buick GMC in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where Starks had taken her car for service back in January. It was only later in the day that she discovered a racial slur, the n-word, typed on the oil change sticker adhered to her windshield.
The discovery left Starks, a 33-year-old resident of Milwaukee, deeply shaken. She recounted sitting in her car for 20 minutes, overcome with emotion upon seeing the offensive slur. Kunes Buick GMC took responsibility for the incident, issuing a personal apology to Starks, terminating the employee responsible for the slur, and even posting a lengthy apology on Instagram.
Encouraged by her fiancé Joey Koepp and members of The People’s Revolution Milwaukee, an activist group supporting Black Lives Matter and Black rights, Starks decided to share her story with the media to raise awareness. Subsequently, activists and local residents protested in front of the dealership, leading to significant exposure of the discrimination incident.
Moved by Starks’ story when it aired on the news, Ramzey Rizk, the owner of Family Nissan in Inwood, N.Y., decided to take action. Alongside his colleagues, Rizk watched the news coverage of the incident where people protested in front of Kunes Buick GMC, prompting him to offer support. Following discussions with his team, Rizk proposed gifting Starks an electric car so she wouldn’t have to endure oil changes again, epitomizing their desire to stand in solidarity with Starks.
On March 1, Starks was presented with the new Nissan Leaf by Rizk and the team from Family Nissan in person. Initially in disbelief upon learning of the generous gift, Starks expressed her gratitude for the unexpected gesture, acknowledging the positive impact it had on her. The act of kindness not only provided Starks with a new means of transportation but also served as a beacon of hope following a distressing experience.
In response to the incident, Kunes Buick GMC issued an apology expressing deep regret for the behaviour of their employee and reiterating their commitment to upholding values of inclusivity and respect. The dealership acknowledged the severity of the matter and assured that necessary steps were being taken to address and prevent any such occurrences in the future, including conducting internal investigations and reinforcing corporate values.
Despite the painful experience at Kunes Buick GMC, Starks chooses to focus on the support and positivity she has received from the community. She highlighted the importance of standing up against discrimination and expressed gratitude towards those who have stood by her throughout the ordeal. The unwavering support and the act of kindness from Family Nissan have undoubtedly restored faith and provided solace to Starks during a challenging time.
Acts of solidarity and kindness like the one shown by Family Nissan serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing against discrimination and spreading positivity in the community. Starks’ story is a testament to the resilience and unity that can emerge in the face of adversity, showcasing the impact of compassion and support in uplifting individuals during difficult times.