Ex-FedEx Security Guard Sues for $6 Million Over Racial Discrimination After Allegedly Reporting Offensive 'Nappy Headed Heifers' Remarks

A former Black female employee, Barbara Blake, has initiated a $6 million lawsuit against FedEx, alleging termination in retaliation for her reports of racism in the workplace. Blake's career with FedEx began in 1997, where she transitioned through various roles, ultimately serving as an armed security detail for executives, including the company's founder, Fred Smith. In her complaint filed on July 30 in Tennessee, she asserts she encountered racially abusive language from co-worker Johnny Skeen. Blake claimed Skeen used derogatory terms like “nappy-headed” towards Black individuals. After reporting Skeen's comments to her supervisor, Jackson, she alleges retaliation ensued, despite her exemplary performance and receiving accolades for her duties.The situation escalated, leading to further complaints, leading to her eventual transfer and subsequent termination over alleged misconduct—claims Blake contests, as she tackles systemic discrimination and seeks justice for her experiences. FedEx has publicly denied the allegations and is preparing to respond to the lawsuit.