An article detailing an experience Robert F. Smith had with racism has resurfaced in light of the billionaire's pledge to Morehouse students.

A Twitter user uncovered a Forbes article in which Smith, who recently pledged to pay off the student loan debts of 400 Morehouse graduates, recalled a white man’s blatant display of bigotry.  Smith was out to dinner with an unnamed white man. When he reached for the check, his dinner guest had a shocking response.

"I can't have a Black guy buy me dinner," the man allegedly told the billionaire.

Smith dealt with racism as he built his career but it didn’t deter him from pursuing success.

"It meant we had to work harder," he told the magazine. "And that's what we did."

Smith shocked the world when he told Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class he would pay off their student loans on Sunday. During his commencement speech, he pushed the young men to reach for their own version of the American dream, according to Intelligencer.

“I want my class to look at these alumnus, these beautiful Morehouse brothers, and let’s make sure that every class has the same opportunity going forward,” Smith said. “Because we are enough to take care of our own community. We are enough to ensure we have all the opportunities of the American Dream.”

He also promoted self-determination for the Black community.

“Success is only real if our community is protected, our potential is realized, and if our most valuable assets — our people — find strength in owning the businesses that provide economic stability in our community,” he said.