Roberts Vs. Texaco:: A True Story Of Race And Corporate America

By Jack E. White, Bari-Ellen Roberts, Jack E White

Book Overview

After a year at Texaco, Bari-Ellen Roberts though she was up against a glass ceiling. But after three years she knew it was a brick wall for all black employees. At first, she sought to work within the system to help Texaco improve its womens and minority programs, only to meet with resistance at every turn. Finally, when she was denied a promotion for which she was clearly in line, she knew she had to fight back. She resolved to bring a class-action suit, although it could last for years while she was till in Texaco's employ. Here in her own words, is Roberts' account of how she won an electrifying victory that could change the face of corporate America. For the first time, she exposes the high-level deceptions and legal tactic that Texaco used to postpone the final day of reckoning. She reveals the full story behind the notorious Texaco tapes, which revealed senior executives making racially charges comments as they plotted to destroy evidence related to the case. Here too are all the astonishing twists of fate that beset and buoyed her, and the fascinating story of how her lawyers masterminded the final triumph.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380976277
• ISBN13: 9780380976270
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful account of race and corporate America

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It was a little slow toward the end, but overall it was very well-written. It's a shame that this type of blatant racism still exists today, not that I'm surprised, but it's truly a shame. It took a lot of courage and stamina on Roberts' part to force Texaco to acknowlegde their archaeic and ignorant business practices relative to race. I applaud Bari Ellen Roberts even when there are those who still believe in Texaco's innocence...much like the reviewer who chooses to perpetuate one of America's largest problems...the belief that other races are inferior and should bow down to this almighty, superior race. "Forgive him, for he knows not what he does." I enjoyed reading about her life and what she went through that made her into what she is today. This is definitely a book worth reading for all.

What an eye opening!

First of all, I would like to apoligize for Mr. Alan Wain.....he sounds very bitter. And another thing, Roberts did not get rich. Saying she was at the right place at the right time is by far the biggest BS ever, because she did not go into that position knowingly. But Texaco did hire her knowing that she would not get the promotions due her because of her race. For shame on what Texaco stood for! They had it coming to them big time. And I hope no one forgets about this case and the many horrific details that helped the plaintiffs victor!

Ignorance is Still Bliss when it comes to corporate America

I read this book and I am MORE encouraged in my own fight against a large corporation that I felt discriminated against me. Needless to say Ms. Roberts felt she had to tell her story and IN HER OWN WORDS she did so. That included recalling the trials and tribulations of her own life growing up to the present (as all these mentally damaging things were going on.) For other reviewers to say "too much about Roberts and too little about Texaco" just shows the ignorance that still exists. Her personal account reveals that racial discrimination is still happening today in THIS DAY AND AGE. If one wants to hear more about Texaco then let them read Texaco's account of what happened. Oh that's right, acccording to Texaco, they still believe that they did nothing wrong... I rather hear from the personal accounts of those involved- to see the REAL toll of what racism does to people rather than hear a bunch of corporate and legal BS.

I thought the book was excellent I enjoyed reading it.

After meeting Bari-Ellen at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH. I could not wait to purchase the book. It is to bad that in this day and age such blatant racism still occurs. I think her story was well written and I hope will encourage others to stand up for what they believe is right and act accordingly. Thank you Bari-Ellen it was a pleasure meeting you!

Outstanding Page Turner

Unfortunately, I didn't learn more from this book. Being an African-American female engineer, I am testimonial to perceptions of upper management in big corporation. Sadly, If the tapes had not materialized, Roberts' case would still be in court. I totally admire her courage and persistance.