Many of us know that Clay Gilbert, the owner of Black Hand cafés (not the roasters) in Richmond VA, has been a terrible boss for a while.

All of his employees recently quit in protest of his antiprotestor tweets to Mayor Stoney, prejudiced comments he posted to a right-wing Facebook group about the Black Lives Matter movement in Richmond, and his harassment towards them after the café storefront windows were broken.

He has been accusing his former employees of breaking them, which is factually false and there is speculation that he broke them himself for insurance money and as an excuse to blame the movement for his business’s failure. That is not verified, but it's not unlike something he would do. He has told his former employees that he will personally see that they do not receive any unemployment assistance.

As hourly customer service workers during a pandemic, this is not trivial. The former employees quit for their own mental well-being and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

With permission from the employees, we are raising this mutual aid to be given as a gift to them. They can divide it amongst themselves to help their own financial survival, give it to a charity, or whatever else they decide. Any amount you’d like to donate is deeply appreciated! We will collect the funds and transfer 100% of the donations to the former Black Hand employees. 


THANK YOU!!!

Peace and love,
-Hil, Phil, and Chris 

P.S.
For extra credit, get your caffeinated fix at a local black AND woman owned biz, Urban Hang Suite in Jackson Ward!

Sources: 
-We are friends with and have spoken to several former Black Hand employees, who shared screenshots of his harassment through text message and emails.
-Screenshotsof his comments and tweets have been publicly shared on Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram.