You don’t have to go to the deep south to find racism. It’s right here on our sweet li’l Vashon Island.

Two weeks ago, I was out on the town with a group of three friends that included a middle-aged black man from Seattle. A little after 10 p.m., we were hungry, and the only place still serving food was Sporty’s, and we went there. Within five minutes, a drunken silver haired patron of that bar approached our table and said, “Hey partner, didn’t you see the sign?”

Of course there isn’t an actual sign at Sporty’s that says “whites only,” but there might as well have been that night! Our friend — a first time visitor to the island — had the grace and restraint not to reply to the comment, and we all left shortly after that. Next time, if we are hungry late at night,  we will buy some frozen burritos at Mom’s Deli.

— Sarah St. Germain