Three African-Americans men are suing Kansas City’s entertainment district for allegedly discriminating against them because of their race and attire. Robert Jackson, Kirk Proctor and Jerome Porter claim they were denied entry into a local bar and lounge, Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and Lounge, on grounds that they were dressed inappropriately—even though white customers dressed in the same urban style were allowed in.

 

The plaintiffs claim that the race–oriented dress code is part of a larger problem at the KC Live! Entertainment District, which is part of a Kansas City entertainment and shopping development known as the “Power and Light District.”

 

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs cite a “tester group” that the city sent to KC Live after discrimination complaints were received. The test cases revealed that Caucasian individuals had no difficulty gaining entry, while blacks and Hispanics were rejected numerous times for various reasons having to do with their baggy clothing.

 

 

The plaintiffs are seeking $5 million in damages for having their civil rights violated.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

'Power & White District' in Kansas City (by Joe Harris, Courthouse News Service)

Class Action Lawsuit (U.S. District Court, Western Missouri) (pdf)