Woman denied promotion because of race, lawsuit alleges

HOUSTON - The Houstonian Inc. is accused of mistreating one of its employees because she is black, recent court papers say.

Primarily citing its alleged failure to promote her, Taka L. Valentine sued her employer in Harris County District Court last June.

The litigation was removed to the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas on Sept. 27.

Valentine, a full-time worker, says she performed her job "capably and effectively," but alleges she "became aware of a company-wide practice of discriminating against African-American employees and favoring employees outside her protected category with more desirable work assignments and working conditions."

"Due to the defendant's pattern, practice and policy of discrimination, the plaintiff was subjected to unfair terms, conditions and privileges of employment because of her national origin and/or her race," according to the suit.

It adds the discriminatory acts in question "resulted in feelings of wounded pride, shame, despair and utter devastation" to the claimant.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Woodrow Epperson of the Law Office of Woodrow Epperson in Houston is representing Valentine.

Case No. 4:13-CV-2865