'Bagel Karen's victim Victor Kamara offered Mercy College scholarship, generous tips over handling of situation
Victor Kamara, a Black New York bakery employee who was racially abused by a maskless woman for refusing service, was not just applauded by his bosses at Davidovich Bakery but has been receiving love and support from various quarters. Stephanie Denaro, dubbed 'Bagel Karen', called Kamara the N-word on Sunday, March 21, when he refused to take her order while working the cash register at the bakery in Lower East Side.
When requested to wear her mask, Denaro refused; and when a security guard told her that Kamara couldn't serve her unless she wore her mask, Denaro can be heard in a bystander video, "Why, cause he's a b**** a** N-word?"
In the aftermath of the event, Kamara has been praised heavily on social media for refusing to serve the maskless woman and keeping his calm despite being abused racially. But that's not the extent of adulation, as universities are also approaching Kamara, 30, with scholarship offers so he can continue his education.
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Denaro has since denied calling Kamara the N-word, despite the video evidence, and also defended herself in social media rants, calling face masks 'satanic'. She told the New York Post, "I’m a Christian and I don’t cover my face.”
Kamara's cool handling of the situation has also drawn Mercy College's attention, per TMZ. The outlet reported that the college has reached out to him about offering him a scholarship. Kamara briefly attended college for a year in Belgium but left school to pursue a professional soccer career in that country.
Now he has the opportunity to continue his education, as Mercy's spokesperson reportedly told TMZ that they'll be speaking with Kamara to check which scholarship suits him the best. Kamara also confirmed that he'll definitely accept the offer. He is interested in studying business management and aspires to start his own clothing line some day.
Love has also been pouring in from people who are lauding him for standing up to 'Bagel Karen'. Customers are apparently flocking to his store, with one man even handing him a $100 bill during his shift on Wednesday, while another helped him with his commute. The tip jar has also been overflowing, with some customers even asking the bakery for his Venmo.
TMZ also reported that one customer might have left Kamara some sage to help him get rid of the 'negative energy' that Denaro left with him.
Among those flocking to him are attorneys, offering to legally represent him should he choose to file a case; but Kamara doesn't plan on pressing charges.
He told TMZ that he hopes his experience can be a 'lesson' on how people of color can react to racism. "You don't have to respond to their insults and slurs with violence ... it's better to show love, even if they're demonstrating hate," he said.