On April 29th this year, engineering student Trayon Christian checked his bank account and smiled - his paycheck was in. He headed straight to Barneys to buy an expensive belt that he'd had his eye on, after he saw one of his heroes wearing it on MTV.
After successfully making his purchase with a debit card, he left the store. Suddenly he was jumped on and handcuffed by 2 undercover cops. They proceed to arrest and search him, demanding to know how he could afford the $349 accessory. He was detained in a police cell for nearly an hour and yet released without charge.
What more proof could be needed that Barneys and the NYPD are using the prejudiced tactic of racial profiling? It may have a smart-sounding name, but we all know that arresting a person just because he is black is DUMB AND UNACCEPTABLE in 2013 in America. Tell NYPD to stop this practise IMMEDIATELY and teach their officers to recognise racist calls.
Dear Mr Kelly,
We were concerned to read the story of black teenager Trayon Christian who was arrested for stealing by two of your officers despite making a legitimate purchase at Barneys in April this year.
We believe that people should not be arrested simply because of their race. This creates resentment and fear among the black community, further exacerbating racial tension.
Please demonstrate your commitment to racial harmony by making a public statement that you will end racial profiling, and train your officers to recognise when calls from the public are motivated by racial prejudice. Do it for the sake of the wonderful city of New York and all her citizens who live in harmony.
Thank you in advance.
