Oregon Woman Awarded $1 Million in Damages After Jury Finds She Was Discriminated Against by Gas Station Employee

A jury has awarded an Oregon woman $1 million in damages after finding she was discriminated against by a gas station employee. Rose Wakefield, 63, of Portland, was awarded the damages after the jury found that she had been discriminated against by Nigel Powers, an employee at Jacksons Food Store in Beaverton.

The incident occurred on March 12, 2020, when Wakefield stopped for gas at the store. According to Wakefield’s lawyer, Gregory Kafoury, Powers ignored her and instead pumped gas for other drivers. When she tried to ask for assistance, Powers told her, “I don’t serve Black people.”

The jury’s award included punitive damages of $550,000. Kafoury said, “This case was about more than money. It was about standing up for what’s right and making sure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.”

The verdict sends a strong message that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. Kafoury said, “We are grateful to the jury for recognizing the harm done to Ms. Wakefield and sending a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The jury’s award is a victory for Wakefield and a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Kafoury said, “We are proud that Ms. Wakefield was able to stand up for her rights and that the jury was able to recognize the harm done to her.”