Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in April 2015. Jim Boggess, a deli owner in Flemington, New Jersey, wanted to celebrate his heritage and put up a sign in his shop window that read, “Celebrate Your White Heritage in March, White History Month.” He said it was meant to be positive, not offensive. However, the sign sparked backlash. Customer Bhakti Curtis, who is of mixed-race descent, filed a police complaint, believing the sign mocked Black History Month and resembled white supremacist symbolism.
Although police found no legal violation, the controversy grew. After four days of criticism, Boggess removed the sign. But the damage was done—business dropped sharply, and within a month, he had to shut down his deli.