AUSTIN, Texas — Laurent Grosvenor is speaking out after being the target of what he’s calling a verbal racist assault.

The incident happened at a popular outdoor shopping center in Austin, where Grosvenor was hit with the dark reality of what it’s like to be a Black man in 2020.

"By far the most surprising thing I've ever witnessed being here in Texas. Because you just don't expect that. We were minding our own business. We didn't say hello or boo to this lady and out of the blue she starts hurling racial obscenities,” Grosvenor said.

Grosvenor took Spectrum News back to the location to speak with workers at a nearby coffee shop who intervened. One employee said he was disappointed to think about what happened and how he’s hoping locals can learn from the altercation and move forward. 

As the lead pastor of Alpha Church in Austin, Grosvenor says he's focused on saving and healing anyone in need and committing to not let one bad apple spoil the rest. 

Grosvenor went on to say the lady represented in the video does not represent the great culture of Austin. 

"Oftentimes you're caught between your flesh and your Christianity- perhaps what you want to do and what you know you should do. And in that moment I realized here is my Christianity, my faith on display to this lady. Even though she's spewing hate at me. While I'm recording I'm also praying for this lady," he said.