Race Discrimination

I have worked in my place of employment for six years. In May of 2007 I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss an increase in salary or a promotion based on the additional duties that were assigned to me. I have met the challenge of the new duties and completed all assignments on time for over two years (a few of the assignments resulted in saving the company thousands of dollars). This was my managers response to the request, "I will research the increase in salary you have requested and get back to you. With regard to the promotion, the only position that will become available is a secretarial position which I feel you will do well in when the opportunity arises." So, while I was on vacation the position became available and filled before I returned to work (The excuse of not calling me is not acceptable because all employees must leave a number where they can be located even while on vacation). The person which was hired is white, I am black.
Could you please advise me on what to do?

[randalljd]

It is not illegal to do what they did normally--even though it is bad management.

They cannot do this for racial reasons however. If that could be proven they would be violating the law.