Trying to hail a cab in New York City is no easy task, but as the Today show weatherman Al Roker experienced, it’s even more difficult if you’re black.
The 61-year-old meteorologist took to Twitter Saturday (November 21) to voice his frustration after being skipped by a cab driver, only for the driver to pick up a white man just a block down. What made the blatant racism even worse was the incident happened in front of his 13 -year-old son, Nick.
Filed a complaint today after getting passed up again by a NYC Yellow cab. Cabbie picked up a white guy a block away. Wonder why Uber wins?
— Al Roker (@alroker) November 22, 2015
This happens to folks of color every day. And while most cabbies do their job, there are those ignorant, racist ones who hurt the others — Al Roker (@alroker) November 22, 2015
What really hurts, my 13 yr. old boy was with me and asked why the cabbie passed us. I said, “Nick, ignorant people make dumb choices”
— Al Roker (@alroker) November 22, 2015
Hopefully @nyctaxi weeds out the bad apples. Looking forward to a hearing and dealing with this. I will keep you posted — Al Roker (@alroker) November 22, 2015
Some commenters accused Roker of using the race card, but the seasoned Today show host, stood by his claims of racial discrimination.