Help a Durham Bartender Rebuild after Racial Discrimination

We’re turning to our community in Durham and beyond to help a community member who recently experienced racial discrimination in the workplace.

The INDY recently reported on a series of racially charged incidents at Plum restaurant in Durham. The article provides great detail about the initial incident, in which a racial slur was used multiple times by the restaurant owner and weaponized against a Black employee, who worked there as a bartender. The article also details the aftermath and fallout from that event, which included the bartender being fired from the restaurant.

Read more at:

https://indyweek.com/news/employees-at-upscale-durham-restaurant-quit-en-masse-after-the-owner-used-a-racial-slur/

This series of events has left our friend jobless, with no sense of security, and has resulted in their being unable to cover their rent and basic necessities.

I am organizing this fundraiser on their behalf to ensure security for them as they hunt for new employment during what has been an uncertain and emotionally tumultuous time.

Our starting goal is $5,000, which is based on the City of Durham's living wage, $18.46/hour. Raising this amount will allow our friend to account for three+ weeks of lost wages (to date, as of July 19), and will build in a buffer as they interview for, secure, and train at their new place of employment.

In Durham, NC, we all benefit from the exceptional talent and care provided by our friends in the hospitality industry, and this is a prime opportunity to say thank you to one of the people who makes our city an incredible place to live.

Let's show our friend what true community care looks like. Please donate and share with your networks far and wide!