Black Woman Wins $15M Lawsuit After Her White Boss Called Her the N-Word

Nationwide — La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson, an African American woman from Fresno, California, who endured years of racial harassment at work, won $15 million in a federal lawsuit against the city. The jury found the city liable for racial discrimination and retaliation. A white co-worker, Charles Smith, also received damages.

According to Atlanta Black Star, Wilson’s struggles began in 2004 when she joined Fresno’s code enforcement division. She said her supervisor, Howard Lacy, displayed open hostility toward Black employees, making racist remarks, mocking Black culture, and even defacing a photo of Barack Obama on her desk.

Over the years, Wilson repeatedly reported Lacy and other coworkers for harassment. She reached a settlement with the city in 2012 but was laid off in 2013. After threatening legal action, she was rehired in 2016. Around that time, Smith, a white colleague, joined the team and witnessed Lacy’s racial hostility firsthand.

Tensions escalated in 2018. Lacy called Wilson “an entitled n—-” in a conversation with Smith and repeatedly ordered Smith to avoid her. When Smith refused, he was transferred to a less desirable unit.

The city’s handling of complaints added to the problem. An investigation by an attorney with no employment law experience failed to properly question Lacy and sided against Wilson, labeling her behavior “aggressive” while failing to address the racial abuse. She faced a 30-day suspension in 2020 and was ultimately terminated in 2022.

These incidents pushed Wilson and Smith to take legal action, claiming racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. After a 10-day trial, the jury sided with Wilson, awarding her $15 million and holding Fresno accountable for 15 years of mistreatment.

Wilson described the verdict as a recognition beyond racial stereotypes, saying, “I’m so glad that the jury saw past that.” Smith called it justice, while their attorney criticized the city for attempting to cover up harassment.

Now, Fresno officials must decide whether to accept the ruling or appeal. Some council members have urged the city to issue a formal apology instead of pursuing further litigation, emphasizing the need to acknowledge the wrongdoing and protect the city’s workforce.