Could I (wht), educated, MBA and experience, have been discriminated against for promotion to only other candidate (blk) with less qualifications?

Two candidates; myself and one other, working internally within same shipping department as supervisors. Position for manager became available and job posted. Per the job details, a minimum of a bachelor's degree was required along with other manager specific duties that my experience surpassed. The other candidate had only 2 years supervisory experience versus my 8 years; no manager experience versus my experience as an Operations Manager overseeing an entire Distribution Center; no education expect High Schoool versus my BS in Business and one semester away from completing my Graduate (MBA). HR verified that only the two of us were interviewed; that I was the more qualified, but the Plant Manager made the ultimate decision promoting the only African-American up for the position, making him the only AA manager. My resume, experience, education, and ability to lead met every criteria required per the job description. Only negative, I had 8 years in food/beverage vs. his 12 years.