On Monday, 10 former McDonald’s employees filed a lawsuit against the chain, claiming that they were fired from their jobs last year due to their race. The federal civil lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, claims that 15 African-American employees were dismissed from locations in Clarksville, Va., and South Boston. The former employees claim that when new owner Michael Simon took over the stores in 2013, he complained about the amount of African Americans working in the store. The lawsuit claims that he said the restaurants were “too dark” and often referred to Black workers as “ghetto” and “ratchet.” Most of the employees who filed the lawsuit have worked at the chain restaurants for several years. “All of a sudden, they let me go, for no other reason than I ‘didn’t fit the profile’ they wanted at the store,” said plaintiff Willie Betts in a statement. “I had no idea what they meant by the right profile until I saw everyone else that they fired as well. I worked at McDonald’s for almost five years. I was on time every day at 4 o’clock in the morning to open the store, and I never had a disciplinary write-up. They took away the only source of income I have to support my family.” Read more.
Spike Lee to Be Honored with NAACP President’s Award
Director Spike Lee will be honored with the NAACP President’s Award at the 46th NAACP Image Awards. The prestigious accolade, which is chosen by NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks, honors an individual for their special achievements and dedication to public service. “Spike Lee is a trailblazer and a champion for minorities. For nearly 40 years, Lee has revolutionized the role of Black talent in Hollywood,” said Brooks. “While African-American filmmakers have been a staple of the cinematic landscape, none have had the same cultural or artistic impact as Spike Lee. His expansive body of work examining race relations, colorism in the Black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime, and poverty, and other political issues reflect the fullness of the humanity of people of color — particularly African Americans. I note with appreciation his renaissance versatility as a film director, producer, writer, and actor.” President Bill Clinton, Soledad O’Brien, Ruby Dee, and Muhammad Ali have been honored with the award in the past. Read more.
Tyra Banks to Debut New Talk Show
It’s been five years since “The Tyra Show” was cancelled, but now the supermodel will be returning to television. It’s reported that Tyra Banks will launch a new television show called “The FAB life” this fall. The show will feature a panel of lifestyle experts that include fashion guru Joe Zee, John Legend’s wife Chrissy Teigen, DIY YouTuber Leah Ashley, and interior designer Lauren Makk. “Local station interest and resulting sales for “The FAB Life” have been outstanding,” said Janice Marinelli, president, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution. “We are enormously pleased to collaborate with such a stellar group of stations and look forward to introducing this fresh and entertaining lifestyle show to viewers across the country next fall.” Read more.
Former McDonald’s Employees File Lawsuit Over Racial Discrimination was originally published on newsone.com
