Not everyone believes that the Napa Valley Wine Train was in the wrong for kicking off 11 African American women for "laughing and talking too loud" late last month. The women, who are part of the same book club, were forced to get off of the wine tour train when "at least one fellow tour patron" complained about the group's noise levels. The move sparked national outrage and ignited a social media storm which birthed the hashtag #LaughingWhileBlack. However, a letter to the editor published in the Napa Valley Register yesterday praises the Wine Train for kicking off the women.
Sue Kelley, the author of the letter, writes that her mentally and physically handicapped daughter had a "great trip" aboard the train "because of her exemplary behavior" which was in "marked contrast" to the book club "who should have known better." Kelley continues writing, "Some amount of decorum needs to be observed even when people are traveling on the train in a party mood and having fun." She adds that the management and employees deserve a "pat on the back and sincere thanks."
However, Kelley appears to be in the minority. The company's CEO issued a public apology after the incident saying that the company was "100 percent wrong" and accepted "full responsibility." The women do not feel that it is enough for the "humiliation suffered" and they plan to sue for "malicious oppression."
While the book club will likely never ride the Napa Valley Wine Train again, there's a new wine tour that might pique their interest. In response to the incident, a Bay Area nonprofit will offer a tour of black- and Latino-owned vineyards, writes NBC. Called the "Wine Soul Train," the tour — which is actually on a bus — will leave from Oakland on September 26 and passengers "will be encouraged to laugh loudly."