via Public Domain
Comcast cable company is the latest mega-corporation to undercut Black entrepreneurs with their business practices.
Now media mogul Byron Allen is arguing in a legal battle before the Supreme Court that Comcast is in violation of legal protections dating back to 1866 that were set up SPECIFICALLY to level the playing field for Black people.
Back when enslaved people were finally granted citizenship, many assumed that civil and economic freedom would soon follow.
But when racists refused to let that happen, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 Section 1981 forced them to prove in court that any denial of opportunity and fair treatment was NOT motivated by prejudice.
Although Allen’s case began as an objection to Comcast’s shady business dealings, its verdict will have a lasting effect on working-class Black folks too!
A lot is at stake here for Black America!
Constitutional law expert Melissa Murphy explained it to theGrio.com like this: “If Comcast prevails, all victims of racial discrimination will face a higher hurdle to having their claims heard in court.”
That means, whether you’re a wealthy businessperson looking for a seat at the table or just someone who needs to fight a bogus employment contract, apartment lease, or other systemically racist agreement, your struggle to get ahead could be that much harder.