NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous announced an amicable resolution of a federal lawsuit filed by the NAACP and others against White Point, Inc. White Point, Inc. does business as Hamburger Joe’s in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Filed in February 2010, the suit alleged that the decision by White Point, Inc. to close its North Myrtle Beach restaurant during Black Bike Week, an event attended primarily by African Americans, violated state and federal laws requiring that places of public accommodation such as restaurants be made available to prospective patrons regardless of their race. Plaintiffs alleged that the restaurant remained open during Harley Week, a predominantly white event.
The agreement between the NAACP, the individual plaintiffs, and White Point, Inc., provides that Hamburger Joe’s in North Myrtle Beach will remain open during Black Bike Week for the duration of the agreement.
White Point, Inc. has agreed to use objective, non-discriminatory standards in deciding whether the restaurant will remain open at all times throughout the year. In addition, White Point will provide its employees with training on the requirements of state and federal public accommodations laws and means of complying with them.
Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO, said “We are pleased that White Point, Inc. decided to amicably settle this matter. The NAACP expects White Point, Inc. to honor its commitment to treat all customers equally and fairly regardless of race.”
Kim M. Keenan, NAACP General Counsel, stated “All Myrtle Beach area businesses should voluntarily remain open during Black Bike Week and Harley Week. When appropriate, the NAACP will continue to use litigation as a means to end all discriminatory practices.”
The NAACP and the individual plaintiffs were represented by Covington & Burling LLP; Derfner, Altman & Wilborn; and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.