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Merritt Lake in Oakland, California, has seen some crazy stuff. According to locals, creepy men are jogging there in Speedos and women are walking their cats on leashes. However, people think that a recent video by Michelle Dione has captured the weirdest incident that has ever happened there.

A white woman called the cops to stop a few black folks enjoying a BBQ. "I hear you have a problem with these gentlemen having a barbecue here at the lake. What's going on?" Michelle asked while recording the lady. She responded that it was a non-charcoal grilling area, "It causes extra money from our city to do things when children get injured because of improperly disposed coals." Lake Merritt has six designated barbecue zones ― three that permit charcoal grills and three that don't. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the unidentified woman was actually correct. But it's her attitude and the way she handled the situation that people are debating over the internet.

"My husband was one of the men being harassed at the barbecue. I was up the street from the park and had just finished eating brunch with our daughters," Michelle told Bored Panda. "He texted me a picture of the woman and said 'If I go to jail this is who did it to me.' I immediately called him, asked what was going on. He said she wouldn't leave him or his friend alone for two hours and kept saying they were going to jail for barbecuing. So I asked where in the park he was and immediately walked down there with our daughters."

"I think it is really incumbent on all of us that when we call [the] police, it is for emergency purposes," Oakland City Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney said. "I want to encourage people to know when to call the police, when to raise a question of regulations with the city council, maybe there is a passive way to reach out to us."

McElhaney claimed she is not aware of any reports of children being injured by discarded coal, but Dana Riley, a spokeswoman for Oakland’s parks department, told HuffPost that the last time they received a report of a child being burned by discarded coal at the lake was in 2015.

Eventually, Oakland police did arrive at the scene. The officers took a report, both parties claiming they were being harassed. No citations were given and no arrests were made. The group were allowed to continue the barbeque.

"Compared to other stories relating to people of color getting harassed and targeted for various reasons, and the many times we hear about police shootings, I think this one story had a happy ending for many people," Michelle Dione added. "It was not a happy ending for the woman who was harassing the men, but it was for the many people who made the video go viral. The feedback is amazing. The Black community is thanking me for exposing a problem on video that they often deal with but feel like many ignore or do not believe their stories. The White community is thanking me for exposing something that opened their eyes and has given them confidence to deal with harassment whenever they see it."

In response, Oakland residents held a huge cookout on the same site a few days after the controversial events. The backlash spread across the internet as well, transforming the woman into a meme. What do you think about all of this? Let us know in the comments.

#1

White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

the.root Report

kat newt shulder
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is funny, but this whole thing is just depressing. people as stupid as this woman shouldn't be allowed to use telephones.

Janine B.
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually it's amazing she knows how to use a telephone at all. :D

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Paul.mike Read
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this lady should be charged with harassment period

Steve LeBlanc
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is color of the woman or the men mentioned. Her complaint was the method of bar b queing that was the problem, in her eyes. Are you trying to make this a racial thing?? It sure looks that way from the headline. Whether you think she's a nut or has a valid point, she is not racial in any way. I think you are attempting to continue to racial narrative that the media seems to love.

Trey To
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When another person came to the BBQ she said "Oh another n****r."

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Randy Inbred
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully secret service took her out!

Terror from Beyond Space
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to worry! We now have a white man in a nut house.

Nancy Jeckells
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the way she went from angry to upset makes me think there is something going on with her, i.e. not well. Needs some help in my opinion. I am not saying she was right to say any of what she said, she was rude and obnoxious and the people she aimed this at were, luckily, nice people who acted appropriately and calmly. They come out of this looking very nice indeed.

Chandros Evans
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone should do a meme about Susan calling the police on Michael Jackson moonwalking n the Billie Jean video or at the Grammys

Amy Thomas
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She shouldn’t have been so nosey and minded her own business she didn’t have any children with her and they were being very careful she needs to get a life lol

Debra Moore
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GACK, what a hateful old white sow she is. Sheesh.

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    #2

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    ShelleDione Report

    Patty cake ;3
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    haha this is hilarious, but also sad at how dumb this woman is

    erynlasgalen1949
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, the dumb ones are the people who insisted they knew the rules about barbecuing with charcoal i n that area and obviouslt didn't. https://www.lakemerritt.org/park-info.html. Tnis article said that the last complaint of a child being injured by improperly disposed of coals was in 2015, the same year Oakland passed the ordinance separating charcoal and non-charcoal grilling areas. I don't know if the city had to pay damages for this child's injuries, and I don't even know the race of the child. Accuse this white woman of being a busy-body if you like, but don't automatically jump to the conclusion that she was racially motivated and din't know what she was talking about because of her skin color.

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    Lance Bridges
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excuse me, but did I read they were in a non-charcoal area using charcoal ? Again the inability to comply with rules & regulations......... but hey it's whitey's fault for pointing this out again ...smh

    Janine B.
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    A case for the X-Files. Call Mulder immediately!

    #3

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    Squatty386 Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "she just won't move and now i have to sit at the back! It's not right God dammit..."

    #4

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    TimBarnes451 Report

    Kjorn
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah... don't let them graduate or they'll get a good job and be a good Citizen and makes crappy Citizen like me look s****y

    Ronald Ferreira
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    my white daughter will look like a zebra standing next to blacks

    Darryl Kerrigan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or they will look like a Zebra standing next to your white daughter. Zebras have two colours, well done.

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    frederic eeckman
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Wow look at the shape of that big crappy mouth... You can tell she never laughs !

    Andycat >_<
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop talking about people that way. Some people make mistakes and we don’t know what she’s like in real life and maybe she isnt or didn’t imply to be racist so please go away

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    #5

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    the.root Report

    Kjorn
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah... i don't think i'll feel safe around her

    Andycat >_<
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Why is every comment so mean to her. Maybe she just had a bad day or a relative died too that coal thing. Please stop

    Monika Rhodes
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe they should send her flowers and give her a medal?

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    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Never noticed the BP was packing so much heat before! GODDAMN WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE IT ALL??!

    #6

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    PrestonMitchum Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "he keeps shouting about a dream he has....yes, I think he might hurt someone..."

    #7

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    LCARS_TechGuy Report

    Nadine Hughey
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All joking aside, they are one fine-looking couple!

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obama was the first President in my lifetime, who was younger than myself. That really makes me feel old. Lol

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    Terror from Beyond Space
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Wait, but no fedora, cape or extravagant bling?

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    "yes, I think he might be a pimp. He has one of his girls with him. She is dressed in white. Please send help now!..."

    #8

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    aarrgghhv2 Report

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    #9

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    michaelschweitz Report

    Ben Lavalleur
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Yes, they just finished brunch and are showing love to one another. Help!!!"

    Andycat >_<
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    =( please don’t be mean to her maybe she’s going through stuff. Ever thought maybe one of her children died from that charcoal

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    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "it's a black family that's actually together, i don't feel safe"

    Ronald Ferreira
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    help police! blacks are protesting againts white people

    #10

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    the.root Report

    Terror from Beyond Space
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and it's definitely not country line dancing!

    Zach Bruke
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cause I'm Kurtis Blow, and I want you to know that these are the breaks.

    #11

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    the.root Report

    Vlad Horobet
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a fire designated area? Are they using charcoal?

    SykesDaMan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are four kind of people in the world: 1-Those who thought: Marvin Gaye's I Want You, 2- Those who thought: Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night, 3-Those who didn't recognize the picture and 4- This woman who called the cops... What? It didn't really happen?

    #12

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    KelleyLCarter Report

    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "i would like to report a fat black guy and his friends singing catchy songs."

    Deadpool
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hello, I would like to report a whole bunch of kids, I don’t feel safe.

    Gerry Higgins
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dang! Now I have the Fat Albert theme song in my head. Na-Na-Na Gonna Have a Good Time! HAY HAY HAY

    Shauday Smith
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nice sketch of the woman. well done

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    #13

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    roywoodjr Report

    Ossi Tuominen
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Hooray! Internet lynch mob ruins another life with unfounded allegations of racism! Bully the s**t out of her!

    Jo Acosta
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, you could say she sort of asked for it. If you can't take the heat, stay away from the b-b- que.

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    James Gitsas
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    She resembles "Rosie...." Hit her over the head and have a "Pig Roast!"

    Andycat >_<
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shut up and get your facts and c**p together. Be a decent human being

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    #14

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    snoodmonger Report

    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Susan, I've told you before - if you keep calling me like this I'll have to send the Secret Service guys to toss your sorry butt onto the street."

    #15

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    allenwallace Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "the man has raised his hand and I think he might be about to hit the woman. She seems petrified...please send the police!"

    #16

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    samleardi Report

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    #17

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    helenaissarcast Report

    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "help i see a black person eating chicken from that BBQ with the burning charcoal"

    furious_lover
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Dear lord! I'm in my local restaurant and a black male is eating chicken! Please help, he might poke me in the eye with his bones!"

    #18

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    RzstProgramming Report

    Cyndi H
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite.... Hi officer, it's me Susan... There is a black gentleman telling the truth... Please come... I don't feel safe

    _WEIRD_ONE_
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    aww im soo sorry i accidentally read it as racist programming soo sorry!!

    #19

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    RzstProgramming Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "hello, police? There are 3 black men crouched together on the sidelines of the football field. I think they may be about to attack white people..."

    #20

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    _RealSantori Report

    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    " yes police this is Susan i see black people catching the holy ghost" Police: (dial tone)

    Sarah Tryon
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    😂😂 she just looks ridiculous and needs to mind her own.

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    Carolus Maxima
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg. The Color Purple. This meme has reached pinnacle mematude. God was trying to tell her something.

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite scene from the Color Purple... ruined by a nasty, ignorant white lady.

    #21

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    DynaMoChen Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "yes the 2 black men seem to be about to attack a poor innocent white man behind his back...."

    Alix BLAIR
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Carolus Maxima
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While I love a meme like everyone, I just wanted to give a shout out to Peter Norman who was the white Australian man in this photo. His participation in this display of humanity led to him being punished (he didn't go to the Olympics in Munich in retaliation). The two black men were two of his pallbearers at his funeral in 2006. Courage is forever.

    #22

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    SarahEastcoast Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "oh yes, police? Sorry wrong number - everything seems fine now...."

    #23

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    RzstProgramming Report

    Randy Inbred
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "no I don't believe they have a licence for the gathering..."

    #24

    White-Woman-Called-Cops-Black-People-Barbecuing-Memes-Oakland

    HuggyLowdownDC Report

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hello police there's a large number of blacks taking a photo, I think they're going to start rioting

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clearly aware this isn't the point but... what a great picture! Look at all of those well dressed people looking all happy. I wish I had some context... back to your regular programing.