To preface, let me say that on the day I visited this store I had a black backpack because that day was my shopping day and I’m a commuter as most people whom live in DC proper. I’m also a young black woman.
On the day I visited this store, a black woman security guard was on duty and a black woman was also on duty for the fitting room. After browsing for the items I wanted to try on, I walked to the fitting room and was given one. I walked out after about 15 minutes only to see the security guard waiting standing near the podium/desk next to the fitting room lady.
I didn’t mind it at the moment but as I made my way down the steps with my items in hand, the security guard follows suit and at a very uncomfortable closeness. This scared me. I was quietly being harassed and I didn’t know what for.
After that experience, I realized that the fitting room lady likely called on the security guard noting to her that a woman with a black backpack was trying no clothes in the fitting room. But how is this enough to suspect someone of stealing ??
Should every black woman with a bag who walks into the store be harassed ? It was very embarrassing considering that there was a white woman there who I could tell was witnessing this and saw a slight concern on her face.
It’s so shameful that even people of color don’t even afford each other dignity and integrity.
I maintain my appearance to the utmost degree.
