That phrase doesn't bother me, but I can understand the sentiment. People tend to use the same "clever" phrases over and over, and when there is a phrase you don't particularly like, you end up hating it after the 100th time.
In my case, it's "looking at you, X" where X is not a person. E.g. "I'm looking at you, Unity framework!"
Or whenever there is a post about a wholesome prank, someone will always comment "See? This is a good prank. Nobody got hurt, everyone laughs." At this point, I'm inclined to think that people deliberately do it as a version of "First post!!"
This seems like an attempt to point out his racism towards black tenants but poorly phrased enough that people have to wonder if you're being racist yourself.