The Vermon Franklin Moment

Have you ever had a Vernon Franklin moment?

I have. I think of the Dave Chappelle skit, "When keeping it real goes wrong." It's hilarious but also touches a nerve. In the skit Vernon Franklin is a well accomplished, educated man at a predominately white firm. When confronted with an overtly racist comment in a meeting he decides to keep it real and speak his mind. The closing scene shows him working for minimum wage at a gas station. All of his education and accomplishments wiped clean because he spoke out against being singled out due to his race. How many of us face this same awkward situation today? This system was not built for diversity. We are reminded of this daily but it is Corporate Coffee’s goal to change that.

Tell us about your Vernon Franklin moment.