31.  DISCRIMINATION BY CIRCUIT CITY FOUND A federal jury found that Circuit City Stores had discriminated against black employees in promotions at its headquarters.

32.  Earlier this year, five black employees filed suit against Shell Oil Co., contending they were denied the kinds of opportunities their white colleagues routinely received.

33.  Elsewhere on those tapes, Texaco executives made racial comments and discussed shredding documents they were required to turn over to lawyers for the black employees.

34.  Essentially, the release form, or waiver, issue started to mobilize black employees for the first time since the discrimination suit was filed nearly a year ago.

35.  Even today he draws distinctions between his black employees and his black church friends.

36.  For example, he says, a woman or black employee fired for swearing could claim discrimination if a white male were not terminated for a similar indiscretion.

37.  For the first time since the racial discrimination lawsuit was filed nearly a year ago, black employees at Coca-Cola appear to be mobilizing.

38.  Four African-American plaintiffs filed suit against Coke, alleging that the company treated them and other black employees unfairly in pay and promotions.

39.  He also said that he and other black employees were repeatedly given heavier workloads, more undesirable assignments, and paid far less than their white counterparts.

40.  He draws distinctions between his black employees and his black church friends.