Grand Haven, M I (WGHN) – Grand Haven city leaders and residents continue to speak out after a racist incident involving a downtown business owner prompted community concern and a police investigation.
Leiko “Koko” Bergers, owner of Mirthy Emporium in downtown Grand Haven, reported that a group of local teenagers accessed her business’s Bluetooth speaker on May 24 and played racist and antisemitic audio throughout the building.
The incident was brought before the Grand Haven City Council on Monday, where residents urged local leaders to address racism within the community. A letter signed by community members called on city officials, the Downtown Development Authority and the Human Relations Commission to take meaningful action.
According to the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, officers responded to the complaint on May 24 but the juveniles had left the area before police arrived. Investigators later identified those involved, notified their parents and referred the case to the juvenile court system for review.
Public Safety Director Nichole Hudson said the department has not received reports of additional racially motivated incidents connected to the case. However, she acknowledged ongoing complaints involving disruptive teen behavior in the downtown area and said increased patrols will be conducted to help prevent similar incidents.
City council members condemned the behavior and emphasized the importance of maintaining a community where all residents, business owners and visitors feel welcome and safe.
A Special Meeting of the Grand Haven Human Relations Commission has been scheduled tonight at 5:30 p.m., to be held in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. The purpose of this meeting is to respond to a resident’s request to discuss a recent event that occurred at Mirthy Emporium.
Members of the public requiring reasonable accommodations may contact the City Clerk’s Office at (616) 847-4886 or via e-mail to: clerk@grandhaven.org. Requests made with less than two business days’ notice may not be able to be accommodated.
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