Civil Rights Lawyer Joins Black Franchisees in McDonald’s Discrimination Suit | Eater

"After civil-rights attorney Daryl Parks—known for representing the families of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, and other high-profile victims of racial injustice—joined the plaintiffs' team at Ferraro Law Firm, two racial-discrimination lawsuits brought by Black former and current franchisees allege the fast-food chain systematically denied Black operators the same growth opportunities and treatment afforded to white franchisees. A Business Insider investigation found a large cash-flow gap—white franchisees earned about $60,600 more per month on average as of 2017—which plaintiffs cite as evidence of discriminatory practices; Parks called the litigation historic and framed it as a fight against being treated like second-class citizens. The company has asked a federal judge to dismiss the suit filed by former franchisees, arguing that “success is promised to no one” and that it supports all franchisees, including those facing economic hardships, while plaintiffs push forward with claims of unequal opportunity and treatment." - Jenny G. Zhang