Essay Fifty-Eight

New Corporate “Dag-lines” with MultiCultClassics Minutes…

• Walgreens — The Pharmacy America Trusts — may soon become The Pharmacy Black America Distrusts, as employees are now suing the drugstore chain for allegedly discriminatory practices. The suit claims Walgreens’ policies include assigning minority workers to stores in Black and lower-income areas, making it more difficult to advance. Talk about having a drug(store) problem. The company’s current advertising slogan reads, “That’s life. This is Walgreens.” Let’s hope they respond to the charges with a better line than that.

• The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain continues to struggle to rebuild its reputation after years of facing racial discrimination lawsuits and paying millions of dollars in settlements. Here’s a thought — the first step could involve simply changing their name.

• Ultra-upscale retailer Hermes may have made a blunder of Olympian proportions. Seems their boutique in France dissed Oprah, Goddess of All Earthly Things. It started when Oprah rolled up to the shop after closing time, seeking to buy a watch for Tina Turner. But the store representatives made like Ike Turner and denied Oprah entry. Of course, there are rumors of racism, with sources saying Hermes has been having recent problems with North Africans. Can’t wait to hear the details surrounding that excuse. The retailer has already offered an official apology. Look for Oprah’s studio audience to receive Hermes watches soon.

• Can you hear me now? Good. The NAACP called former Verizon executive Bruce Gordon to head the organization. Maybe the civil rights group is seeking to change to the National Association for the Advancement of Cell Phones.

• The San Antonio Spurs won their third NBA championship with a Game 7 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Featuring starting players from Argentina, France, The Virgin Islands and more, the Spurs make a strong case for the power of diversity. It’s fan-tastic!