FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

May 8, 2018 Adolphus M. Pruitt

President
St. Louis NAACP
(314) 479-4427
Pruitt@stlouisnaacp.org

STUDENTS ACCUSED OF STEALING

MAKES SENSE TO THE HEAD AND THE HEART

A Statement from Adolphus M. Pruitt, President St. Louis NAACP

St. Louis, Mo. – Planning and shopping for your perfect prom night - or in this case the after
party – in 2018, should be one of the most unforgettable moments of high school. All students want to
make it amazing, but for three black young men shopping at Nordstrom Rack in St. Louis Mo. a pleasant
shopping experience was not in the cards. They placed their hope and trust in the hands of Nordstrom
Rack, miles away from home. Over the course of the past year, these students have overcome great
obstacles to graduate from high school in their search for better educational opportunities (going to
college). And the faith they awaited them – one that impacts young black youth across the country – has
again reared its ugly head ‘Racial Profiling’. Mekhi Lee, 19, a freshman at Alabama A&M, DeSmet
High School senior Dirone Taylor, and East St. Louis High School senior Eric Rogers were guilty of
nothing but shopping while being black. Now, Nordstrom Rack leaders have a decision to make. They
can choose to assist in stamping out this pervasive stereotyping that labels young black men as “criminal
predators” and embrace the decisions and sacrifices of these students or they can choose to do what has
become the standard – apologize and initiate diversity training for its employees.
It seems clear what the decision should be.
When I asked the young men what they wanted they spoke about wanting to see change so that
their siblings wouldn’t face this stereotype; they spoke of how the important their experiences at the
Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Clubs and wanted to see if Nordstrom would help make that a reality for
others; they spoke about job opportunities for young black youth was needed; they went on and on about
helping others; helping their peers. The conversation with them was a winning proposition for us all.
The decision Nordstrom has to make, however, is not just about the bottom line. It is a decision
that has a direct impact on students themselves. We recognize that most corporations make contributions
because they want to make a difference in communities. This is an opportunity to do just that.
Students at places such as the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club are among the most
disadvantaged students in the St. Louis. Unfortunately, some will not graduate on time if at all, and
among those who do, their future prospects are slim. Many may not even get into state colleges and
universities.
Nordstrom also has the opportunity to assist Educators – teachers, principals, and
superintendents – throughout the area, Nordstrom have an opportunity to change these statistics for these
students. They have the opportunity to make a difference.
As representatives of the Saint Louis chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP) we find ourselves in complete agreement with Mekhi, Eric and Dirone on this
issue. On this, we stand in unity. Nordstrom should reward the hard work and sacrifice of these students.
Following their lead on what’s needed to assist their peers is a decision that makes sense to the head and
to the heart.

Adolphus M. Pruitt is president of the Saint Louis NAACP.