Cars
Racial Slur Incident Sparks Protests and Calls for Accountability at Oak Creek Dealership
2025-02-08

In a shocking incident of racial discrimination, a customer in Wisconsin was left devastated after discovering a derogatory slur on her vehicle's service sticker following an oil change. The event has sparked outrage and protests, highlighting the ongoing issues of racism within communities. Makayla Starks, the victim, experienced emotional turmoil upon finding the offensive word on her car's windshield. She had visited Kunes Buick GMC in Oak Creek for routine maintenance, never expecting such an encounter. Despite the dealership’s immediate termination of the responsible employee and their public apology, the incident has raised significant concerns about corporate responsibility and the need for stricter policies to prevent similar occurrences.

Incident Unfolds: A Day of Shock and Protest

In the heart of a chilly winter day, Makayla Starks, a resident of Milwaukee County, found herself in the midst of an unexpected and deeply upsetting situation. After visiting Kunes Buick GMC in Oak Creek for a complimentary oil change, she discovered a highly offensive racial slur printed on her vehicle's service sticker. Starks, who had purchased her car from this very dealership last fall, was utterly shocked and immediately felt a wave of distress. "When I first saw the sticker, I cried – immediately," she recounted, emphasizing the profound impact this act of racism had on her.

The events that followed were equally troubling. Starks received multiple calls from the dealership, some from blocked numbers, alleging that a tool had been left in her vehicle. Skeptical and disturbed by these claims, she eventually learned that the true nature of the call was to divert attention from the real issue. Later, a message alerted her to check her sticker, confirming her worst fears. Not only did this incident tarnish her experience with the dealership, but it also damaged her vehicle's safety features, leaving her unable to access them.

In response to the backlash, Kunes Buick GMC took swift action. The dealership terminated the employee involved and issued a public statement condemning the behavior. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed a commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all customers. However, this did not quell the community's anger. On Saturday, Starks and her supporters gathered outside the dealership to protest, calling for accountability and systemic changes. Her fiancé, Joey Koepp, noted the excessive police involvement, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

Makayla Starks' attorney, William Sulton, emphasized the importance of holding the dealership accountable. He urged for a boycott and stressed the necessity of implementing robust policies to prevent future incidents. Starks herself is determined to see meaningful change, advocating for the firing or disciplining of all involved parties and demanding transparency in the process.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for businesses to prioritize inclusivity and respect. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure that such acts of discrimination do not occur again. As Starks and others continue to fight for justice, it is clear that this event has left an indelible mark on the community, prompting a deeper reflection on the values we uphold and the actions we take.

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