SAGINAW TWP, MI - Protesters briefly gathered in front of Good Time’s Pizza, 4582 State St in Saginaw Township on Thursday, March 4 in response to a local music producer’s claims of racist abuse by a now-former restaurant manager.
RushDee Williams, a producer and business owner who was involved with projects like rap star Lil Wayne’s album Tha Carter V, said a manager hurled abuse at him after he tried to get his order corrected Saturday, Feb. 27. Their disagreement escalated into the man calling Williams an expletive and later the N-word, he claims.
“Saginaw has always been a place where everybody gets together for the greater good just across the board,” Williams said. “I feel like what they did is not a reflection of Saginaw, and I feel like that’s why the community is angered the most.”
Good Time’s has since fired the manager, according to Mid-Michigan Now, but Williams takes issue with co-owner Brian Franks’ statement on the matter. Despite firing the manager and condemning his actions, Franks’ statement to Mid-Michigan Now insists Williams “provoked” the former employee.
“I feel like they didn’t take accountability, and at this point, it’s above me because this is a community thing,” Williams said. “I feel good about it for the simple fact that the community is supporting me... I’m just more so concerned with them doing the right thing by other people, the community, people who might not have the same voice as me.”
In response to the situation, Williams helped organize a protest in front of the restaurant. About 25 people were demonstrating at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4. Williams hopes the protest sends a message that the Saginaw community won’t tolerate disrespect and abuse from businesses, he said.
Saginaw resident Brandi Johnson said she knows Williams personally and came by to show her support, vouching for his character.
“It’s nothing new, most people of color experience things like that on a daily basis, I know I do,” Johnson said. “I’m just glad that, finally, people are starting to come together to put a stop to it.”
During the protest, Williams and two others had a brief conversation in the restaurant with co-owner Lori Franks, who insisted the employee’s actions didn’t reflect the companies values.
However, Franks said she felt “intimidated” and was ushered behind the counter by a manager, though Franks did not condemn the protest.
“They have a right do that,” Franks said. “At this time, that’s all I have to say.”
The protesters stayed around the entrance to the restaurant until around 6 p.m. Williams expressed disappointment that they weren’t able to come to an understanding and resolve the conflict but continued to suggest a boycott of the business after his conversation with Franks.
“Where we at now?” Williams said. “I shouldn’t have to put the emphasis on making amends when I didn’t create the situation.”
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