An Indiana resident has filed a lawsuit against a healthcare company alleging racial and age discrimination. Jerry Wilkerson Jr., through his attorney Carla D. Aikens, submitted the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 13, 2024, accusing Oak Street Health, LLC of discriminatory practices.
Jerry Wilkerson Jr., an African American man over the age of 40, began working at Oak Street Health (OSH) in 2020. He claims that he experienced racial discrimination during his tenure with the company. According to the complaint, Wilkerson was promoted to National Vice President of Expansion Markets in July 2020 but faced numerous challenges and inequities thereafter. Despite being tasked with significant responsibilities during a tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests following George Floyd's death, Wilkerson alleges he received no professional development or performance management support from OSH.
Wilkerson describes how he was consistently overlooked for promotions and denied equitable compensation compared to his white counterparts. He recounts instances where his work was either ignored or credited to others by his superiors. The complaint highlights a particularly troubling incident involving Jim Lipuma, a Senior VP at OSH, who allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior towards Wilkerson and other employees. Lipuma is accused of creating a hostile work environment by bullying staff and making racially insensitive remarks.
The lawsuit outlines several legal violations by OSH under federal and state laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Wilkerson contends that OSH's actions were intentional and willful, resulting in substantial interference with his employment and creating an intimidating work environment.
Wilkerson seeks compensatory damages for lost wages, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of professional reputation. He also requests exemplary damages and an award covering lost wages and fringe benefits both past and future. Additionally, he demands interest costs along with reasonable attorney fees as part of equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is presided over by Honorable Judge [Name not provided], under Case ID: 1:24-cv-10069. The plaintiff is represented by attorney Carla D. Aikens from CARLA D. AIKENS P.L.C., while details about defendant’s legal representation remain undisclosed.