June Shelton calls out Mike Krimm ABF Freight truck driver for calling African Americans ‘Monkeys’ online as worker’s employer responds swiftly as does the internet as the post goes viral.
A viral post shared by a social media user over the weekend led to renewed discussions about racism, freedom of speech, the use of derogatory descriptions online and the internet’s swiftness in responding to such ‘bad behavior.’
Taking to social media, June Shelton a ‘black’ actor from Detroit, Michigan, claimed (and with captured screenshots) Mike Krimm, an employee with ABF Freight out of Missouri having called African Americans, ‘monkeys’ on social media. The post led to over 40,000 reactions and 11K comments and 4,300 reshares.
A regard of ABF Freight’s Facebook home page elicited the following discovery: ‘Founded in 1923, ArcBest carrier ABF Freight has transformed into one of North America’s largest and most experienced motor carriers.’
Racism in America and freedom of speech online (but at what cost?)
Posted June Shelton on Sunday: ‘Hey Mike Krimm 😊 you probably shouldnt be using racial slurs and posting crude things regarding african americans online (Calling them monkeys). But since you did, you should know that NOTHING online is private and its VERY easy to locate a person. For example, I found that you work for ABF Freight as a truck driver at the Missouri Service Center and you live in Excelsior Springs on Lakeside Dr with your wife Debbie 😊😊 I wonder if ABF Freight is aware of how you feel about your black coworkers? Oh yea, I also know Mike Hansen is your VP of employee relations and HR. Might have to give him a call in the morning.’
The post led to a very swift response from ABF Freight (presumably after screen shots were privately sent and shared and reviewed along with a morning call).
Responded the freight outlet: ‘Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Mr. Shelton. Please know that personal actions and comments from employees do not reflect our company’s values or represent our company in any way. We are reviewing these details with appropriate leadership, and actions will be taken accordingly. You can review our non-discrimination policy in our Code of Conduct found at https://investors.arcb.com/governance/governance-documents. We’re committed to a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. Learn more about how we prioritize our people: https://arcb.com/about-arcbest/sustainability/people. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us directly at social@arcb.com. Thank you, ABF Freight team.’
Individual freedom of expression vs ‘company’ values
Responded June Shelton in turn: ‘ABF Freight thank you for the speedy response and call this morning with handling this matter. It is greatly appreciated. Your team was very kind and assuring that Mr. Krimm does not represent your values as a company. My only hope is going forward, we all remain mindful when using our freedom of speech, and are able to use discernment as to how that speech will effect others. Thank you kindly.’
The back and forth led to one user responding, ‘ABF Freight I hope you are serious about consequences cause if not this will be going farther then Facebook if he is still an employee of yours that means your company condones his behavior and we would have to take drastic measures on getting this out on many platforms and also every news channel in the world so we trust you are going to do the right thing.’
Commented another, ‘ABF Freight we will be checking back to see if any ACTION was taken. Employees always want to “review”. The man needs to be released from his employment so that any patrons of yours that he comes in contact with aren’t subject to his behavior.
Not immediately clear is whether Mike Krimm continued to be employed by ABF? And what ‘measures’ were taken between the company and worker.
Scallywagandvagabond.com has since reached out to both June Shelton and ABF Freight for comment on the matter.
