An Open Letter to Bob Rohrman on Black Folks and Cars

Dear Mr. Rohrman-

Not every car being driven by a black person is stolen. Black folks do buy cars and sometimes (brace yourself) we buy new cars! Novel concept, eh? While this may not be news to some people, it is obviously news to your salespeople.

On two separate occasions I have gone to your dealerships (Kia and Toyota) to look for a second car (yes, I bought the first one too). Both times my partner and I were ignored for a minimum of 1/2 hour while we looked at cars, climbed in and out, and talked about which car might best suit our needs. While doing this we noticed the wonderful sense of collegiality that exists in your businesses. The predominantly white salesmen made themselves busy joking about cars, sports, and whatever struck their fancy. Don't get me wrong, I understand the idea of "hands-off, no pressure" sales, but there is something called overkill.

In defense of your salespeople I must say that after 20 minutes of looking at your Kia dealership a young salesman of color did come to assist us. He apologized for our waiting so long, and then informed us that the white salespeople at your dealership don't like working with African American potential customers because they "don't buy cars". I'm not sure if he was angry and venting to what he thought might be a sympathetic ear or if he was simply trying to play the "I feel your pain" card in order to make a sale. Either way it didn't work.

In closing, I would like to reiterate, BLACK PEOPLE DO BUY CARS, BUT THIS ONE WILL NEVER BUY FROM YOU!!! And neither will any other person I know if I have anything to say about it!

Yours in the Struggle,
Samantha Blackmon, Ph.D.


Bob Rohrman Auto Group