Franchising

Jesse Jackson concerned with how McDonald's treats Black franchisees

Photo: Wikimedia commons

February 18, 2021

Longtime political activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, 79, said today he was going to be in touch with McDonald's leadership regarding the issues brought to light earlier this week in a lawsuit filed by one of its Black franchisees. The suit alleged that the company has shown systemic racial bias that puts Black owners at a disadvantage.

Franchisee Herb Washington filed the suit Tuesday in Youngstown, Ohio, and later held a news conference with his attorneys blasting the company for years of alleged unfair treatment based on what he said was racial bias.

Jackson's comments this afternoon came Thursday after McDonald's announced a pair of initiatives to grow diversity in senior leadership at the company.

In response to the entire controversy, Jackson released this statement:

"There is a growing crisis emerging between McDonalds and its Black owner-operators, who have historically been allies and the face of the corporation. Although McDonalds has made tremendous strides over the years, there seems to be an adverse wind blowing in the face of its Black operators.

"I recently learned of litigation being filed by Herb Washington, whom I met in the 80s while running for president. Herb Washington is a man of integrity, having served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank for many years. His lawsuit against McDonalds has my attention and I am concerned about its resolution. McDonalds needs to implement a respect-based plan for Black operators. I will be in contact with the executive leadership of McDonalds regarding these issues."

McDonald's has not responded to QSRWeb's request for comment.