International

Black franchise magnate sues McDonald’s for racial discrimination

Herb Washington, a Black McDonald's franchise owner, has sued the corporation for racial discrimination, citing "racist policies and practices" towards Black franchisees.

By Vicki A. Lee

February 19, 2021
at 4:08 PM

Herb Washington, a Black franchisee, sued McDonald’s for racial discrimination, citing “racist policies and practices” that bar Black owners from the same opportunities as white franchisees, BBC News reported.

According to Washington, the corporations consigned him to “distressed, predominantly Black areas” and denied financial assistance offered to white owners.

McDonald’s responded by attributing Washington’s business challenges to “mismanagement.” However, Washington currently owns and operates 14 franchise locations and was once the highest-ranking Black owner in the US with 25 stores.

Vicki A. Lee

Vicki is a staff writer, anchor, and field reporter covering Culture and Lifestyle. She is interested in literature, design, film, and social justice. Vicki is a staunch proponent of the transformative power of art — as a reflection of our common humanity and as a vehicle to effect sociopolitical reform. She lives in Toronto but often daydreams of being elsewhere, which is why she's always jogging. Read her daily updates here @vickiangelalee.