Norman Meyers
We'd like to think we've come along way and made great inroads when it comes to battling racism in America and in cities like Detroit. The idea of nooses around black statues seems like something so long ago, a throwback to old South.
Then we see something like this and realize the journey against hate, prejudice and mean-spiritedness is far from over right in our own backyard.
Fox2's M.L. Elrick delivers a disturbing report about African American shop worker Norman Meyers, who alleges that he has been subjected to racist remarks and a noose wrapped around the neck of a black-faced statue that hung for months at the American Eagle Precast in the 17000 block of Conant Street on the city's east side. The concrete shop manufactures parking blocks, planters and funeral vaults.
Meyers, who has photos and tape recordings to back up his allegations, tells Fox2 that he needs the job so he's sticking around. But he's retained an attorney to address the issues.
"It's again shocking for me to see this in Michigan but it looks like we have not only turned back the clock but we've turned back the clock and we've crossed the Mason Dixon Line into the 60s," Meyers told Fox2.
"I seen a psychiatrist starting January and then they got me on two medications, one for depression and one for anxiety. Um, they told me if I'm ever thinking anything wrong that I need to go to Henry Ford or to call them," he added.
The Michigan Civil Rights Commission interviewed workers about the situation, but Meyers said the statue with the noose stayed up for another eight days after that, Fox2 reported.
Elrick confronted the owner, who declined comment, referring questions to his attorney.
Meyers and former employee also allege that the company sends defective burial vaults to black cemeteries, according to Elrick's report. -- Allan Lengel
