NEWH - Winter 2020 - 10

GUEST PERSPECTIVE

As a sales consultant, I have sat in many offices with top executives where I have been dismissed, looked at like I do not
belong in the room, challenged on my knowledge of my product, or just simply not respected for my years in this industry.
I have had people purposely mispronounce my name because they said it sounds better a different way. I was even told
by a sales manager that I was being too sensitive and taking things the wrong way. I explained to him how sometimes it is
uncomfortable to be the only Black person in a room or at a company dinner because it feels like all eyes are on you. He
still did not understand what I was telling him. So, one day when he came to Los Angeles, I took him to Roscoe's for lunch.
Roscoe's is a historically Back restaurant that is known for its chicken and waffles. It is a staple in the Los Angeles area.
That particular day, he was the only white person in this restaurant. At that moment, he understood what I was saying
and how I felt. After that day he started to understand how I felt sometimes in this industry and noticed some of the
treatment I would receive when we were at meetings.
When someone says they have never seen or experienced racism, I respond, "That is fine, I am glad that you have not
had that experience." But please understand, because you have not experienced it does not mean that it does not exist.
You never see calories, but you know that they exist, so some become mindful of what they eat. Everyone might not
experience racism or situations that have made them uncomfortable in life, but that does not mean it does not exist in
the world.
My role in the hospitality industry is to continue to recruit, mentor, and help others. I try to intentionally, reach out to the
Black people in the industry so they can see and understand that they do not have to be the only one in the room. Just as
Chris Clingshoff informed me of the job at Higgins, it is my job to inform others of the great opportunities in this industry,
specifically Black, talented, professional people. It is my role to educate my associates on things that they might not
know or understand. At the end of the day, we are all the same.
I always welcome dialogue on race. I have learned over the years that if people honestly do not know, who will inform
them? The same excitement I have when I educate my friends on the hospitality industry is the same excitement I
have when I educate a non person of color on race. It is important that we teach each other. I do not want to be the
spokesperson for the entire Black community, but I love to engage in healthy conversation where we can learn from each
other. I notice when people are able to openly talk everyone gets comfortable, and when you are comfortable you build
beautiful relationships and partnerships.
NEWH can empower the industry by speaking up and expanding the conversation. It is important for NEWH to be at the
forefront and to encourage conversations within the hospitality community. I believe that NEWH sponsors have a duty to
support equity, inclusion, and diversity as they continue to support the organization.
Regardless of the few interesting experiences that I have had in my 22 years in this industry, I cannot imagine myself not
being in it. I have met some of the most beautiful people that have always allowed me to be me and supported me. Being
a seasoned sales consultant has taught me to make sure that I have a voice. And as the late Representative John Lewis
said: "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic, never ever be afraid to make
some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will find a way to make a way out of no way."
I know I am good trouble for this industry and my experience has overall been good, though with a few bumps. I look
forward to making sure that the hospitality industry continues to build equity, diversity, and inclusion. As I walk the halls
of tradeshows, continue to give presentations to firms, and continue to be a positive role model in this industry, I would
like my Black associates to know that you will always see a smile from me and know that you are never in a room by
yourself. Good trouble, necessary trouble is always by your side making sure that our voice is heard. ❙❘❚

10 www.newh.org

http://www.newh.org

NEWH - Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Winter 2020