Black passengers sue American Airlines over racial discrimination
By Nchendzengang Tatah
Three black Americans have opened a law suit against American Airlines for what they termed, “blatant and egregious race discrimination” during a voyage from Phoenix, Arizona destined for New York, several US media have reported.
The three men were part of eight sent out, all blacks from a plane filled with white people, according to the lawsuit filed on May 29, 2024. The incidence which happened four months prior on January 25, was only reported by press organs following the suit.
Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal in their complaint stated that, they were together with the other five selected and sent out for “offensive body odor.” They argue that the move was “without any valid reason, based solely on their race,” as “in fact none of the plaintiffs had offensive body odor.”
Video photages from cell phones taken by some men show the group of blackmen being taken out of the flight. The men where however later on accepted again on the flight when no other flight was found available.
The men regret that the experience “was traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading.” The airlines has in response stated that discrimination doesn’t reflect their core values.
