Nine Black Women Allege Discrimination at Virginia Steakhouse

What was meant to be a joyous Friendsgiving dinner turned into a deeply upsetting experience for nine women in Chesapeake, Virginia. They allege that they were subjected to discrimination and humiliation at the Cork and Bull Chophouse, leading them to pursue legal action.

An Unwanted Confrontation

The incident occurred on November 6th, when the group was enjoying drinks. Across the room, a fight broke out between two other diners, also Black women. While those individuals left before police arrived, the nine friends claim that restaurant staff wrongly assumed they were involved in the altercation.

Shakoya Holt, one of the women, recounted the manager’s response when she inquired if the restaurant was closing for everyone. She states the manager replied, ‘No. We’re just not servicing you all, because you all like to fight.’ This comment, she says, singled out their group, while no one else was asked to leave.

Public Humiliation and Legal Recourse

Ashley Pickens described the moment as incredibly embarrassing, with ‘all eyes on us’ as they were forced to leave the dining room. Their attorney, Joyvan Malbon-Griffin, highlighted the injustice, stating that all nine women were treated more harshly than the two individuals actually involved in the fight. She emphasized that such poor judgment by employees cannot be allowed to continue.

The women claim the restaurant has made no attempt to apologize or provide an update since the incident. Consequently, they are now pursuing legal action, citing racial discrimination and violations of equal protection. ‘They have said enough is enough, and we are not going to take it,’ Malbon-Griffin added.

Community Support and a Call for Dignity

The NAACP Virginia State Conference and the NAACP Chesapeake Branch have publicly voiced their support for the nine women. Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the state conference, called the incident a ‘painful reminder that racism remains embedded in our daily lives’ and stressed the importance of holding establishments accountable for perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Holt’s message to businesses is simple yet powerful: ‘Treat your customers with dignity and respect.’ This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination and the need for businesses to ensure equitable treatment for all patrons.