*Civil rights activist Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, is expressing outrage over a troubling incident at Benihana in Torrance, CA involving Latino employees who allegedly hurled racist slurs at African American patrons, including the family of Yolanda Davidson.
In a press release sent to EURweb, Ali says witnesses claim that Benihana employee Elijah Dawkins, who is seen in the viral video above in a violent confrontation with a Benihana manager and security inside the restaurant, overheard Latino colleagues using the N-word directed toward the Davidson family.
Dawkins left the kitchen to inform the family of the derogatory remarks. Instead of addressing the issue or apologizing, Benihana’s management and security team reportedly responded by physically assaulting Dawkins and pepper-spraying both him and nearby patrons.
“Elijah Dawkins should be commended, not assaulted, for standing up against racism—even when it came from his own co-workers,” Najee Ali stated. “The actions taken by Benihana management and security are outrageous, shameful, and require immediate accountability.”
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Project Islamic Hope is demanding:
- Criminal charges against the Benihana manager and security personnel who attacked Dawkins and pepper-sprayed innocent customers.
- A formal apology from Benihana to the Davidson family and all affected individuals.
- An urgent meeting with Benihana corporate leaders to establish policies that prevent racist harassment and abuse of power in the future.
“This incident was not just about racial harassment; it was also an abuse of power by management and security against both an employee and patrons,” Ali continued. “Benihana must take full responsibility and act swiftly.”
On Monday, September 15, 2025, Yolanda Davidson, a devoted Benihana patron for over 30 years, was pepper-sprayed by security while dining with her husband and daughter. She endured racist remarks, including being called the N-word and referred to as the “Black table.”
Davidson suffered a scratched eye and respiratory issues from the pepper spray, resulting in ongoing anxiety and disorientation.
“For more than three decades, I’ve celebrated milestones with my family at Benihana. To be assaulted and insulted with racist language at a place I’ve supported is devastating and unacceptable,” Davidson shared. “This experience has left me humiliated and shaken, highlighting the need for no other guest—Black or otherwise—to endure such treatment again.”
After calling the Torrance Police Department for assistance, Davidson reported that the responding officer was dismissive and reportedly rude. The officer questioned the events that occurred inside the restaurant, even implying she was partially responsible for her own assault.
He downplayed her injuries, suggesting she was merely suffering from “residual spraying,” rather than acknowledging the seriousness of the attack.
This disturbing incident raises significant concerns regarding safety, staff training, and the culture at the Torrance location, as well as the local law enforcement’s response. Additionally, it calls into question Benihana’s responsibility to protect and respect all patrons.
Davidson is advocating for accountability, transparency, and systemic changes to ensure that Black customers are never again singled out, endangered, or disrespected.
To bring more light on the issue, Ali and Project Islamic Hope have scheduled a press conference on Thursday (09-18-25) at 5pm Pacific at the Benihana venue in Torrance. Along with Ali, Dawkins and Davidson will be there to tell their side of the story.
Press Conference Details:
Date: September 18, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Benihana
21327 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
Sponsored by Project Islamic Hope on behalf of Elijah Dawkins and Yolanda Davidson.
