"Fired for Embracing Diversity: Mississippi Event Center Director Claims Termination Over 'Urban Acts' and Rap Performances"

J. Todd Mastry, an event center director in metro Memphis, claims his firing resulted from opposition to securing performances by Black artists. He has initiated a federal lawsuit seeking reinstatement and damages, alleging local officials harbored bias against Black entertainers. Despite boosting the Landers Center's standing and profitability, he faced pressure to cancel acts based on race. However, the DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau firmly refutes these accusations.