Person-Jackson was killed April 6 after being attacked by the store's security guard, a cashier-manager, and another manager. She is the third person in the Detroit area to die at the hands of store security guards in the last 10 months. A fourth was brutally beaten on her head, but survived. "This is becoming an epidemic," said the Rev. Horace Sheffield III. "It has gotten totally out of hand."

Person-Jackson walked out of the store carrying a basket of Swisher Sweets cigars and a Conair hair product she allegedly had not paid for. The alarm went off. A female security guard followed her out the door and tried to stop her from getting into her van. Seconds later, a cashier-manager came out to assist the guard, followed by the store manager.

According to a lawsuit brought by her family against Rite Aid, the three "hog-tied" her with an electric cord and one of them sat on her, suffocating her for more than five minutes before she went limp. They dragged her back into the store. Person-Jackson was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

None of the security guards responsible for the earlier deaths have been prosecuted. Frederick Finley died last June 22 outside Lord and Taylor at Fairlane Town Center at the hands of security guards who accused his 11-year-old daughter of stealing a $4 bracelet. One guard charged with involuntary manslaughter has not yet been brought to trial.

Travis Shelton died at the hands of security guards February 8 at a northwest Detroit Kroger supermarket after being stopped for allegedly stealing some meat. The Oakland County prosecutor did not press charges.

Gail Hardy was brutally beaten on her head and knocked unconscious February 21 by a security guard at another Rite Aid drug store. She allegedly used a pair of nail clippers and then put them back on the shelf. The guard was suspended and charged for the assault, but the case still awaits prosecution.

Several members of the Shelton family participated in the rally protesting the death of Person-Jackson. Algin Shelton, Sr., Travis Shelton's father, said he was at the protest to demand that the guard and managers be charged and prosecuted for murder. "I live in Alabama," he said, "and I came up here because this has got to end. There can be no more deaths."

"I just want justice to be served," said Louvenia Banks, Person-Jackson's mother, who was at the protest. "I just met Travis Shelton's father. I'm glad so many people came here, because I feel like I'm not alone."

Family members, friends, and supporters carried signs that said "Human, not hogs," "No justice, no peace," and "Justice will prevail." They chanted "Rite Aid is not right!"

Rev. Horace Sheffield III announced that the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network (NAN) is sponsoring a public hearing on the issue. He encouraged people who have witnessed or experienced racist brutality to testify. "We have to find out the extent of these incidents," he said. The public hearing will be at the New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 11241 Gunston, on Thursday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Ilona Gersh is a member of United Auto Workers Local 157.
 
 
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