Have you ever faced racism while seeking employment? 

Besides being discriminated for religious, ethnicity, race, gender, or sexuality, we forget how many young adults living in America, when looking for their very first jobs go through the same thing. To shed some light on what could happen to your teenage son, daughter, niece, nephew or sibling in these days and times unconsciously. I share this experience with you all, because as a community, we all have an obligation to make sure that young men and women of color are well aware of their environment. Growing up here on Long Island, I have witnessed racism at all angles. However, when you witness someone become a victim, it hurts way more. 

In Long Island, I had worked in a predominantly white neighborhood and was a manager at a popular restaurant. However, everything was comfortable until I experienced and witnessed racism from a different perspective. The situation happened when my restaurant manager told me to illegally fire a black girl (the only one), for constantly visiting the store asking for her starting date and uniform. 

The black girl waited for her uniform for almost a month. She started to become impatient because her grandmother inconveniently kept bringing her back and forth each week. Also, one of the girls she got hired with already started, which made this situation a bit more awkward. The girl approached my manager one day after waiting over 30 minutes, and was told to come back the following week. The girl responded with a concerning tone and questioned: “how much longer will this process take?” The manager took it as if she had a “typical black girl attitude,” and wanted her fired. The manger did not want her to work there anymore, and insisted that I illegally fire her by giving the young girl back her working-card.

Immediately I said “NO”

The manager tried using her privilege by pulling the “I’m your boss” card;  I instantly went to corporate and told them what she tried to maliciously make me do— Illegally fire a minor. 

Why didn’t she just fire the black girl herself since she’s the General Manager? 

Well, because of internalized racism she thought I would have just listened and successfully completed the task with no questions asked. 

She purposely delegated this task knowing I could have gotten fired or have gotten in trouble for breaking the law. I was young and didn’t understand internalized racism. But now I’m completely aware and had wished I took further actions against this whole situation.  

This particular restaurant did not want a labor violation or a civil lawsuit. The supervisor from corporate advised that I get the black girl a uniform, a schedule, and have her start immediately. 

And I did!

Unfortunately, the unapologetic manager and I were left to work things out. Since that experience, I now realize and have a better understanding on what internalized racism is about. 

The young black girl was 14-years-old, and just like every teenager in America, she just wanted to make her own money. She was a victim of internalized racism, and unconsciously did not know or understand what really went-on. Still to this day she has no clue of the fight I had to put-up, which I deem unfair and unethical! 

Crazy right!