HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A racist sign that shocked a Harris County community had a new look Sunday, and it was actually sending a nice message.

 

Someone apparently painted over the sign, which once displayed a derogatory comment about Barack Obama’s bid for the presidency.

 

Neighbors said they were pleasantly surprised with the new message, which simply read “have a nice day” and was adorned with smiley faces.

 

The man who claimed to own the sign told 11 News on Thursday that it was a “good joke.”

 

But no one else was laughing.

 

Quannel X held a protest in front of the sign Sunday.

 

He said even though it’s been painted over, he wants the owner to know that the neighborhood will not tolerate racism.

 

According to 11 News legal expert Gerald Treece, the owner of the sign wasn’t breaking the law with his offensive message.

 

It’s his First Amendment right to display what he wants on his sign, which is on private property.