NEW YORK, NY February 26, 2008 —A nine year old class action lawsuit against the city's Parks Department for passing over minorities for promotion has been settled. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund says the city will pay $21 million.

REPORTER: Kathleen Walker has worked in the Parks Department for 27 years and says she was demoted after joining the lawsuit.

WALKER: The point is anyone that is able to do that particular job, should be promoted according to their qualities and not the color of their skin.

REPORTER: Plaintiffs and their attorneys say the Parks Department has gotten better at promoting blacks, Hispanics and Latinos since the lawsuit was filed, but they say there are still too few people of color in management positions. The city's Corporation Counsel is preparing a response.