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<div>Hi, my name is Symone Sparks, and I’m sharing my story to ask for help after a traumatic experience that left me shaken and vulnerable. On a beautiful Saturday morning, my partner and I were racially profiled, humiliated, discriminated against while shopping at an optical store in Bloor West Village, Toronto. During a routine transaction, I was accused of stealing when a store employee approached me and locked me in the store. The situation escalated quickly, and I was trapped inside, harassed, and made to feel unsafe. At one point, I felt so cornered and vulnerable that I even considered stripping off my clothes just to prove I wasn’t stealing.
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<div>This experience has been a painful reminder of the racism and discrimination that Black individuals, especially Black queer women like myself, continue to face daily. As many of you may have seen in videos shared online, what happened to me was unjust, and no one should ever have to endure such treatment.
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<div>As a Black queer woman, I’ve always been hyper-aware of how I’m perceived in public spaces, but this experience has left me shaken in ways I cannot describe. My partner, Demi, who has never encountered anything like this, stood by me and did her best to support me, but she couldn’t fully understand the emotional toll and deep-rooted fear I felt as a result of the racial profiling.
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<div>We are now seeking legal action against the store involved, and this process is both emotionally and financially draining. Legal fees, consultations, and the time it will take to seek justice are adding up quickly. I am asking for your support in helping us cover these legal expenses so we can hold those responsible accountable.
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<div>On top of the emotional burden of this situation, the cost of living in Toronto has made this process even more overwhelming. The city’s soaring inflation rates have made everyday essentials like housing, groceries, and transportation nearly unaffordable for many residents. For individuals like us, navigating this financial strain while pursuing legal action is incredibly difficult. Balancing basic living expenses with mounting legal costs has put an unimaginable strain on our resources, and we need your help to keep going.
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<div>All funds raised will go directly toward covering legal bills, consultations, and any additional costs related to the pursuit of justice. Your support will ensure that I can stand up for my rights and address this discrimination, while also helping my family manage the cost of living during this difficult time.
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<div>This is a challenging time for me and my family, but your support will make a huge difference. Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share this campaign with others, your help means the world to us. Thank you for standing with us as we fight for justice, fairness, and equality.
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<div>From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every one of you who supports this cause. Together, we can make a change and ensure no one else has to endure what I did.
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Olivia Vanzandt

Shelly Orton

MISS JENNIFER A JONES

Anonymous

Genesis Perez

Anna Bk

Regine Massiah

Vanessa Lozano Enriquez

John Tsertos

Danielle Bailey

ImaanImaan Khan

Emma Foran

Shyla Grantmyre

Wandakha Goodridge

Support Symone and Demi in Pursuing Justice

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