'Racist-toned' comments under City of West Allis social post promoting Black-owned businesses spark concern

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- February is Black History Month, and a post meant to celebrate local Black-owned businesses in West Allis is sparking a big reaction.

"It had a couple of likes and a couple of comments and then all the sudden, 24 hours later, it had completely exploded," said West Allis Mayor Dan Devine.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, to mark the first day of Black History Month, the City of West Allis made a post highlighting Black-owned businesses. The post, Mayor Devine says, escalated quickly in the comments.

"We have really made strides to be an inclusive community and welcome everyone," said Mayor Devine. "Some days you feel like you are really making progress and other days you just feel like you are spinning your wheels."

In just 24 hours, the post gained more than a thousand comments, many of which had a racist tone. This caused major concerns for people both on and offline.

"My hope is people read that and recognize we still have a lot more work to do, and that’s evident, unfortunately," said Mayor Devine.

Unlike Moore, who's owned The Diamond Collection for five years in downtown West Allis, who says the comments were upsetting but not surprising.

"Not shocked, you know, this is what comes with the community," said Moore. "It's sad because it is 2026 and you will be very shocked that it's still happening, but it is still happening. There's nothing much you can do about it, but you know, keep working."

Moore says people need to support Black-owned businesses and what they add to the community, not tear them down.

"I feel like it's very important, because why not show up and show out for our month?" said Moore.

Brandon Hawthorne, who owns Twisted Plants, less than two miles away, says negative comments aren't new and won't stop him from providing for his community.

"For negative people and the negative comments, we try to look past it," said Hawthorne. "You know, here we are in 2026 and it's still some of the same old, same old, but you know, we have our head held high and just try to push forward."

Both owners say now is not an easy time for local businesses and that every ounce of support matters.