Racism clearly remains a rampant, heartbreaking, and tough problem in the United States. It’s part of our history, but if we don’t want it to be part of our legacy, it seems there’s still a lot of work to do.
Part of what most people believe works is calling it out when we see it – posting on social media, making people aware of how embedded it is in the lives of people of color everywhere, etc.
But when these FedEx workers posted a video of their treatment at the hands of a racist customer, they say they weren’t praised – instead, they lost their jobs.
@Toniob38 recently tweeted about his experience as a black FedEx worker delivering a package to the house of a man who quickly showed himself to be a racist.
In the attached video, a black FedEx worker says “You didn’t have to come out here cussing me like that,” and eventually gets into his vehicle and drives away.
He alleges that the customer accused him and his co-worker of trying to break into the house, and threatened to call the cops. In this day and age, that could even equate to a threat on a black man’s life.
Back story All we did just delivered his package mind you he was in the house it was quick stop as soon we were leaving he ran out his house cursing and threatening us and we just apologized but he kept escalating the situation then kept saying he would whoop out black asses.
— antonio braswell (@Toniob38) May 20, 2020
“All we did was deliver his package, he was in the house at the time. It was a quick stop and as soon as we were leaving he ran out his house cursing and threatening us. While we were looking confused we just apologized for being on this yard but he kept going on then kept saying he would whoop our black asses and then he told his wife to call the cops.”
FedEx fired both of the delivery men after they posted the video.
Mind y’all we go through this all the time he was the first to actually come at us crazy and all we doing is our job we Work 6 days out the week to deliver these packages during this coronavirus going on
— antonio braswell (@Toniob38) May 20, 2020
“FedEx called and told me to take down this video and fired both of us today. I’m reposting this video because people like him doesn’t matter white or any race should never disrespect essential workers putting their lives in jeopardy especially with this covid-19.”
The workers say they aren’t holding a grudge, but is worried now about how he will provide for his young daughter without a job.
I really appreciate the job opportunity i had with FedEx .. no hard feelings but i pray i can get back on my feet because i have a daughter now
— antonio braswell (@Toniob38) May 20, 2020
FedEx spokesperson Rae Lyn Rushing told the Daily Dot that they are investigating the incident.
“FedEx takes extremely seriously any allegations of discrimination, retaliation, or improper employment actions.
These individuals are employed by an independent service provider and FedEx will be conducting a thorough investigation into these claims.
While we conduct this investigation, FedEx will provide employment for these drivers.”
So, that’s nice, at least. Though I wish it had been the initial reaction and not one forced by social media backlash.
That said, we have the tools now to take action around the globe, and I’m always happy to see us putting that power to good use.
Keep on keeping on.
