Why I didn't Choose to Stay and Rebuild With the CMS-A

Thank you all for the overwhelming messages of support. For those calling me brave, it’s not me. The credit goes to the survivors and everyone who has shared their stories of injustice. Your courage pulled me from the “sunken place” and awakened me to my repressed rage. For those wondering why I didn’t choose to stay and help rebuild @mastersommeliers_americas to make it better, that was my intention until I started asking questions. I had very frank conversations with not only my colleagues but I also took in the perspectives of Tahiirah Habibi, the Hue Society, Julia Coney, Miguel de Leon, Ashtin Berry, TJ Douglas as well as the messages I have received from people who have been turned away due to the actions and inactions of the CMS-A. But one point hit me especially hard. A Black wine professional told my colleague, “It’s like you’re trying to save a confederate statue or hold a wedding on a plantation, the symbols and sites of so much violence and pain.” The question shouldn’t be can this thing be salvaged but rather does it even deserve to be? The systemic issues of racism, sexism, classism, homophobia and elitism are embedded into the DNA of this organization and nothing good can be rebuilt from its foundation. It must be dismantled and we must begin again. I do not believe that the site of so much pain can be shined up to serve those who have been hurt, by not only this organization but our society at large. We must begin again with a new foundation built on the bedrock of fairness and equity for all. It’s difficult to makes these declarations without coming off as an indictment against those who choose to remain and rebuild. I applaud your honorable efforts. If there is anyone who can right this ship, it’s those of you who I am proud to call my mentors, friends and even family. I sincerely hope you prove me wrong.