AUBURN - Kyla Clapper, a businesswoman who recently announced her restaurant Hallowed Cinque will not re-open in Auburn, reported on Facebook that local officials did not help her after she told them she was a repeated  victim of racism.

Although she grew up in Brock and attended high school locally, she said one her first experiences trying to buy a commercial property was being told by a seller that her money was not welcome.

Clapper: “They just didn’t want my money because I was black and they made it very apparent.”

She described multiple incidents of people knocking on her door to be aggressive and extremely rude and leaving a note saying “N words leave town."

She said she reached out to city officials, but was told by police there must be repeated incidents for a harassment protection order and was told by city officials that the incidents must be her fault.

Clapper: “The way I was crushed and completely isolated in that moment, further created more of the situation. From that moment forward I knew I did not have support in city hall.”

She said after asking for help at city hall, she was targeted again by strangers coming to the door and saying “her kind” is not welcome.

She said the city council could use its authority to encourage minorities.

Clapper: “I’m not leaving because I can't stand through racism. These events, all of these things that happened, I would’ve stayed through again and again. What I will not stand through is the lack of support from officials.”

She said city hall could help bring inclusivity to the community.

Clapper: “I am the first black-owned business building owner in Auburn, Neb. And, every time I have said it or marketed it, I receive pushback. This is something that should be celebrated.”

She said the atmosphere of racism is revealed by the ugliness toward people of color and the tolerance toward others.

Clapper: “Make is so that people who enjoy flying the Confederate flag and wearing the Confederate flag don’t feel comfortable, more comfortable than the people of color in your community. Say something.

‘Oh, that’s just their heritage.’

“I don’t know the difference between heritage and hate when I see that flag.”

She said the solutions could have a start as simple as celebrating Black History Month or holding diversity training for city staff.

Clapper: “I am not claiming that these people are knowingly and hurtfully and awfully doing these things. I think our city officials are not trained. I think that our city officials do not understand racism. I think that these instances are created by a lack of information and a lack of desire to make change.”

She said many people of color have reached out to her sharing similar incidences, but say they can not say anything for fear of losing employment.