When Marquise Vanzego pulled up to a Chick-fil-A in Maryland that August afternoon, it felt like any ordinary day. He just wanted lunch — some chicken strips, fries, and an Arnold Palmer. But one glance at his receipt would leave him feeling disgusted, humiliated, and heartbroken.
Vanzego, a hardworking father, says the moment still replays in his mind. “It felt like my heart had that little sting in it,” he shared softly. What he saw printed instead of his name wasn’t a mistake — it was a word that’s haunted generations of Black Americans.
“Monkeys.”
He froze. At first, he thought it had to be a mix-up. But when the worker confirmed his order — and the white van he’d driven — the truth hit hard. The kind of moment you only expect to see on the news.
Vanzego spoke to the on-duty manager, who apologized and offered a refund. Days later, he contacted corporate and even the store’s franchise owner. The owner admitted the worker — a 17-year-old — wouldn’t be fired, saying it was likely a “misunderstanding.”
But for Vanzego, it wasn’t about punishment. It was about accountability. “He’s young, yes,” Vanzego said. “But he still needs to know there are consequences.”
He shared his story on social media — not out of anger, but hope. Hope that one painful moment could open more eyes, spark more compassion, and remind people how words still cut deep.
