Idle No More...

I have witnessed racial profiling and I stayed silent.

London Drugs in Park Place Mall many years ago.

I was browsing in the make-up isle. In my hands were mascara, eye-shadow and toothpaste. Maybe 6 feet from me, in the same isle, was an indigenous woman, probably in her mid30's. She too was browsing and she too held products in her hands.

A London Drugs staff member approached the woman and told her that she needed to give over what was in her hands to be held at the counter until she was ready to pay for them. The indigenous woman was polite and gave them to the employee. I turned instantly to hand my products over as well, but the London Drugs worker paid me no mind and left me to continue my business undisturbed .

I said nothing. I did nothing. I am very sorry.

I wish I had approached the employee and gave her my products. I wish I had told her that I wanted to report her to her supervisor for racial profiling. I wish I had insisted that store policy be applied to ALL customers. I wished I had filed a complaint with them. I wish I had stepped forward.

Next time, I will not be silent. I promise. #idlenomore #blacklivesmatter