"Hate group" terrorizes African American woman: Racial harassment: Arbitration award

Law Reporter, Jun 2003

Estate of Sims v. Kennedy, N.J., Burlington County Super. Ct., No. L-3321-97, Jan. 31, 2003.

Sims, in her seventies, was one of the first African American residents to live in her town. A group of high school students harassed Sims because of her race. The students threw eggs and tomatoes at her house, made intimidating phone calls to her, and left dead animals on her lawn. Later, Sims's house was burned down. Sims, who suffered from a heart condition, died soon afterward.

Two of Sims's daughters, on behalf of her estate, filed suit against the members of the group, alleging racial harassment. Plaintiffs also alleged that the group had burned down the house and had caused Sims's death by exacerbating her heart condition.

An arbitrator awarded $175,000, based solely on the racial harassment claim.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Mark J. Molz, Hainesport, N.J.