Byron Allen’s racial discrimination case will be heard in the Supreme Court on November 12th.
The media mogul who owns Entertainment Studios, The Weather Channel and theGrio, alleges that Comcast Corp. and Charter Communications are discriminating against him due to being a Black man. This factor is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracting. Due to an amicus brief filed by Comcast, the case has gone from being about Allen’s racial discrimination allegations to challenging the entire Civil Rights Act of 1866.
According to legal experts, Comcast’s interpretation of the law would require plaintiffs to prove discrimination was the sole reason they were denied business or contracts. Allen has explained this case is bigger than his personal business endeavors, this is about Black ownership, inclusion, and providing opportunities to the Black community. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is important for the Black community, but how many people actually know what the act is? During Congressional Black Caucus weekend in Washington, D.C., theGrio asked Black people if they knew what the Civil Rights Act of 1866 is, and if they realize how important it is for Black America.