I am a U.S. Navy Submarine Chef Veteran, a Good Citizenship Award recipient from Philadelphia, and a graduating student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York. During my externship at a restaurant in Houston, I faced ongoing racial harassment. Staff made monkey noises when I arrived, coded with other animal noises, tried to nonchalantly code the N-word in my ear between oyster names Leaving me to provide nothing but silence for my mother after not being able to enjoy her presence my years in And my heart weeps uncontrollably because high-end fine dining, Food and Hospitality has been a part of my heart Obliviously discredited, which I understand unfortunately is the option for some people who lead, own business and But as a leader, I’ve held my people accountable regardless of wherever they’ve been born, came from and even laid Which I get, but it physically and literally broke my heart after HR openly discussed my concerns with management day one. I did my best to stay positive and respectful, documenting everything, but my reports were dismissed and even mocked by their leadership. My grades were also affected after they withheld information in response to my complaints. I withheld my documentation once I knew they were also a part of the problem. Giving you this letter because I have carried this in silence and now seek prayers, guidance, and community support. Thank you for patiently hearing my story. With gratitude,

I am a U.S. Navy Submarine Chef Veteran, a Good Citizenship Award recipient from Philadelphia, and a graduating student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York. During my externship at a restaurant in Houston, I faced ongoing racial harassment. Staff made monkey noises when I arrived, coded with other animal noises, tried to nonchalantly code the N-word in my ear between oyster names Leaving me to provide nothing but silence for my mother after not being able to enjoy her presence my years in And my heart weeps uncontrollably because high-end fine dining, Food and Hospitality has been a part of my heart Obliviously discredited, which I understand unfortunately is the option for some people who lead, own business and But as a leader, I’ve held my people accountable regardless of wherever they’ve been born, came from and even laid Which I get, but it physically and literally broke my heart after HR openly discussed my concerns with management day one. I did my best to stay positive and respectful, documenting everything, but my reports were dismissed and even mocked by their leadership. My grades were also affected after they withheld information in response to my complaints. I withheld my documentation once I knew they were also a part of the problem. Giving you this letter because I have carried this in silence and now seek prayers, guidance, and community support. Thank you for patiently hearing my story. With gratitude,