Rosalynd Harris was just doing her job, serving lunch at Busboys and Poets—a café in Washington, D.C. known for its social justice themes—when something unexpected happened. She greeted a group of men visiting from West Texas, including Jason White, a 37-year-old dentist in town for President Trump’s inauguration.
The men noticed the restaurant's atmosphere—filled with artwork of Black leaders and customers wearing Women’s March pins—and weren’t sure how they’d be received. White even asked his friend to remove his red “Make America Great Again” hat to avoid drawing attention. But the moment Harris approached with a big smile, the mood shifted.
Just a Friendly Conversation
What followed was a simple, friendly exchange. Harris laughed when she found out they were from the South, and they chatted about the menu. She recommended the avocado panini, and White took her advice. “We interacted like regular human beings,” he later said. “Not white or Black, not Trump supporter or waitress—just people.”
A Tip That Meant More Than Money
After the meal, White left a $450 tip on a $72 bill—a nod to Donald Trump becoming the 45th president. But it wasn’t just the money that stunned Harris. It was the heartfelt message he wrote on the receipt:
“We may come from different cultures and may disagree on certain issues, but if everyone would share their smile and kindness like you... our country will come together as one people.”
A Moment That Went Viral
Harris said she was touched and surprised. “The note was extremely moving. The amount of the tip—definitely shocking,” she shared. To her, the moment wasn’t about race or politics. “This wasn’t a Black-and-white situation. It was just two people connecting in an authentic way.”
The story quickly spread across the internet after the restaurant posted the photo online. White said he never expected the attention but hoped others would see the message behind it. “This isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s just a reminder to pause and look at people for who they are—not for how they vote or
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