The cry of “reverse racism” is akin to a bully feigning victimhood after facing the slightest accountability check. It is a tactic designed to divert attention from the historical injustices and socioeconomic disparities that persist in the construction industry. Refusing to let facts be

obscured, the BCA asserts that this legal battle is rooted in plain old discrimination driven by greed, as confirmed by generations of socioeconomic data.

The construction industry has long been plagued by systemic racism, against blacks and other minority business struggling to access equal opportunity to truly build capacity. Despite some progress in recent years, the industry remains predominantly white-owned and operated, with blacks and many minority companies often relegated to fight over what is deemed the minimal efforts for sharing of public contracting opportunities.

When confronted with allegations of discrimination, some in the industry have been quick to cry “reverse racism.” They argue that efforts to promote diversity and inclusion and fair play are

somehow unfair to white owned construction companies, conveniently ignoring the fact that black contractors and many minorities’ subcontractors continue to face significant barriers. Many white owned companies even with modest gains by historically underutilized business have continued to thrive and dominate the commercial construction industry. Stop the hypocrisy!

This tactic is not only disingenuous, but it also serves to perpetuate the very inequalities that it claims to address. By painting themselves as victims of discrimination, those who cry “reverse racism” deflect attention from the real issues at play – namely, the entrenched biases and power imbalances that continue to shape the construction industry.

It is time to call out this charade for what it is: a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of those who benefit from it. The BCA stands firm in its commitment to

dismantling systemic racism in the construction industry and ensuring equal opportunities for all workers, regardless of their race or background.

The fight against racism in the construction industry is far from over, but by exposing and challenging the tactics of those who seek to maintain the status quo, we can make progress towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all workers. Join us in standing up against discrimination and injustice, and together, we can build a better industry for everyone.

BCA-Alabama Chapter