David Matthew Olatunji Bey
Published February 22, 2026
Many moons ago, when I was working as a freelance senior designer for a company I will call TJC, I walked into the office expecting to have a quick update meeting with the accounts managers. Instead, I walked into flood of whispers.
It started near the front of the building. A quiet comment. A cautious glance. Someone told me the owner had ordered the Mexican women in the fulfillment department to tape utility blades to their thumbs so they could work faster. I paused, certain I misunderstood.
So I asked again.
After the meeting and workday came to a close, I moved from desk to desk. “Is it true?” One person confirmed it. “Yeah. Big J told them to do it.” The room felt smaller after that.
“Did anyone tell him he couldn’t do that?” I asked.
A shrug. “You know how he is.”
Yes, I knew how he was. But that answer was not enough. Efficiency does not excuse recklessness. Authority does not override humanity.
I went to the department manager, a Mexican-American woman who also served as interpreter for the team. She told me it was frightening. The women were afraid and some were crying. He stood over them and insisted if they didn't they would get fired. They complied reluctantly, not because it was right, but because they felt they had no choice.
That night, I drafted a letter. If no one else would say something, I would. Silence was not an option.
The next morning I arrived early, before the office filled. I loaded the letter into an email addressed to everyone in the company. It sat there, ready.
I spoke with the owner’s daughter. She confirmed it happened and asked me not to confront him. I told her it was too late. Some lines, once crossed, demand a response.
Before I could reach his office, his voice came over the loudspeaker calling me to the production area. We met face to face.
He was not pleased. He told me to mind my business. He said it had nothing to do with me.
I told him it did. Anywhere I stand and see something unjust, it becomes my concern. Especially when those affected feel they cannot speak.
He told me I could leave. I could hang my shingle somewhere else, in a slow Alabama drawl meant to close the matter.
So I walked upstairs. I sat down. I pressed send and quietly exited the building for the last time. (Note: Below is the actual email. Only names have been abbreviated.)
Greetings All,
I am writing this letter to you in response to hearing about an action that occurred right here at TJC that upset me greatly.
I stand in disbelief that such a thing actually happened. JR taped sharp blades to the Mexican employees so that it would be more efficient to cut pieces of doubled sided tape. Going against their will and threatening them that if they do not they can go home. What right does he have to go against the welfare and safety of a person?
He has no right. So I guess success means efficiency over safety; ego over compassion. It’s a state of mind that does not serve any good. It only leaves bitterness and distrust in the soul. It distances us from one another and lends to the thought that we have it better. The myths of success will continue to be a grand edifice, which blocks the clear view of his reality, that he is angry and bitter. He has failed in that particular moment to rely on something greater to fulfill him beyond his feeble power and make a more sound decision. However, he chose to exert the lesser part of himself in order to fill a great emptiness. I challenge this by asking – How long do you think it will last?
How long will you continue to mistake compassion and care of the employees as weakness? How long? We are all here in support to this business just as we are for ourselves. I, for one will not accept such actions.
I would hope in the future you find a space in your heart to make better decisions and have more compassionate actions. If you want employees to work better and quicker, then quickly give them the best in you. Give them a reason to feel good about what they do. A kind word goes a long way.
In conclusion, for me it will not be just a mere comment of I can’t believe he did that. I am taking action. I will no longer extend my design services to TJC. I regret in having to make such a decision. However, I cannot ethically or in conscience be a part of this in any way. It is my voice and the voice of those you have offended. We all make mistakes and decisions that aren’t the best but I feel that this goes beyond what I even know and requires a big jolt of change.
It is also your responsibility (employees) to tell JR “No! This is not acceptable.” This will only help him in time, I pray, to see his actions and change. If not I hope you do.
So, JR from me to you THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! It has been quite an experience.
Gracias.
This incident demanded a response, and silence would compromise who I am. Our voice carries authority when it is rooted in principle, and when one person speaks with clarity, it gives others permission to stand in their own truth. This letter draws a clear line: dignity and safety are not negotiable in the name of efficiency or power.
If you want to know what happened next, leave a comment below and I will unapologetically share.
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Copyright © 2026 by David Matthew Olatunji Bey