In March 2006, the NAACP concluded a series of settlements of discrimination lawsuits that grew out of complaints by African American tourists who attended Black Bike Week festivities between 1999 and 2003. The suits arose from different treatment of Black Bike Week visitors and those who attend Harley Week, traditionally held one week earlier and a predominately white event. Black Bike Week is the only time each year when the majority of tourists in the Myrtle Beach area are African American.
NAACP teams continue to monitor police activity and treatment of black tourists, observing the practices of local businesses and watching traffic patterns to make sure settled commitments are honored. In addition, a complaint hotline has been set up for those who have experienced unfair treatment. Black Bike Week attendees can report incidents by calling (888) 362-8683.
The lawsuits referenced unequal treatment of black motorcyclists by the city, four restaurants and a hotel. Numerous discrimination complaints have been filed with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission against other Myrtle Beach area businesses in previous years. Negotiated settlements were reached with the city of Myrtle Beach, Damon's Oceanfront and Barefoot Landing, Greg Norman's Australian Grill, the Yachtsman Resort Hotel and J. Edward's Great Ribs and More.
The NAACP Legal Department, the Washington, D.C. and Miami offices of Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P.; the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights; Steptoe & Johnson LLP and the Charleston law firm of Derfner, Altman & Wilborn represented plaintiffs in the suits.
Representative cases from this project include:
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