On September 5th (Tuesday), Maria das Graças Xavier, a black woman, well-known leader of the National Union for Popular Housing (UNMP), advisor to the General Superintendency of Dialogue and Social Interaction (SUDIS), of the government of Paraná, experienced the embarrassment of a situation of racism within Lojas Pernambucanas in Curitiba.
The worker was shopping there when she was approached by the store security guard and accused of theft. The employee requested a search of her bag without judicial or police authorization, in addition to accusing her of having “released” something in the store, without presenting any evidence.
The victim called the police at the scene and filed a police report immediately. Incredulous and outraged, Maria das Graças commented on the video: “What’s happening to me is crazy,” she exclaimed about the situation.
Black parliamentarians denounce racism
“This situation is not an exception. We are persecuted, searched, humiliated and embarrassed. Our presence is always suspicious and uncomfortable, we are prevented from moving freely, they put our dignity to the test, they deny our rights”, stated federal deputy Carol Dartora (PT-PR), on her social networks.
Councilwoman Giorgia Prates (PT), on her social networks, stated that she was providing support and legal guidance to the person who was a victim of racism. “This is yet another case in which a black person suffered embarrassment after being the only one approached, while several other people were shopping in the store,” she said on social media.
Other side
The Brasil de Fato Paraná report sought to contact the Pernambucanas press office. Once you get the answer, it will be placed in this space.
Source: BdF Paraná
Editing: Ana Carolina Caldas
