- This event has passed.
SPECIAL EVENT: Former Employees of Frankie’s Fun Park
(h) Kendra Johnson – I am a writer and actor who positively shifts the atmosphere one word at a time. My story is a little different from everyone. My perspective is a little different from everyone else’s. Being a young African-American female Manager in the restaurant industry is a challenge in itself. It’s ironic how in 2018 I was recognized in the Charlotte KNOW magazine for being the first female GM of an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. Oddly enough I was terminated for doing exactly what I was previously praised for. The reactions staff, including management treated the cafe’ after their walk out was childish and insensitive. NOT supporting them or simply ASKING what the issue was after I, several managers and myself repeatedly reported these actions to upper management attempting to mitigate the situation only for no one to do anything. Ultimately I was verbally reprimanded for going to HR on a few other matters concerning safety stating I should “respect the chain of command” and calling me a “rogue agent”. What is HR for then? At this point my hands are tied and I have no other options except to rely on the one other manager in another department to assist me in executions. All they wanted was to be heard. Not be told “if you walk out, you’re fired” as your OPENING STATEMENT! Quitting was NEVER the goal. It was the LAST option to get their attention. Because the GM heard incorrectly from a bad source, he came in with a nonchalant attitude. That’s unprofessional. Your JOB is to diffuse conflict especially when it’s harassment on ANY level. An employee asked if he would follow up after reading their concerns and he said NO. Several of them had tears streaming because after 3 years they meant nothing to anyone. As a manager, the comfort and safety of ANYONE of ANY age is YOUR responsibility! This was a painful reality check that changed their lives. At my age I know how the world works. All they and I, and the 2 previous African American female managers who quit out of frustration wanted was change. ALL that we experienced was white privilege from insecure white men riding the coattail of black excellence. All for the food and beverage director to get investigated and he gets to keep his name, dignity, title and RESIGN?? He never got fired. That’s a slap in the face from a ~80K/yr racially insensitive degenerate. I was all they had to feel comfortable and safe. All we had was each other. I felt more safe was protected from irate guest because of Jordan vs my own restaurant managers. Then I get FIRED over a petty social media post within 36 hours that was considered “open for interpretation” simply because I feel he was threatened by a strong black woman. I believe he was in his feelings. I was the ONLY one holding him accountable. Confronting him to his face vs behind his back as others did. He knew I wasn’t quitting. I’m not a quitter as I emailed the GM in reference to my requested transfer. I’m a fighter. The misconception was by us looking happy at work, did our job and didn’t LOOK beat and defeated, the allegations weren’t taken seriously. Next time we’ll mope around and cry with our heads down. Maybe then they’ll see the signs a little clearer since emails and statements from most of the staff in multiple departments to the GM weren’t enough. This is why many rape/sexually assaulted victims, victims of racism etc don’t come forth. #metoo victims look just like me and these young adults. No-one believes them because they are young and how amazing they endured in the midst of. Viola Davis posted once “Pay black women for their labor and stop using them for a diversity clout.” One day their kids will work with a GM and food and beverage director and they will wish they had someone like me to cover them. I have moved on. I am beyond proud of how they have grown and how they handled situation. I hope their parents are PROUD! I’m honored to know them and they will always have a special place in my heart til my last breath.