Senior racial discrimination in Tucson (Young: apartment, rent, living in)

[TucsonJohn]

I recently moved to Tucson about 18 months ago. I have a good friend who is a senior like me who happens to be an African-American woman. During this time we were walking daily in a local park with no issues. Before we met and she walked alone she was constantly being harassed by a group in the park. Racial epithets such as N....r go home, Crazy N....r *****, N....r go back where you came from, etc. This does not happen when we are together. When I was out of town, the slurs started again and stopped when I returned. The harassment now includes threats of violence. We have contacted the police, gotten a restraining order, even met with the local NAACP chapter. The police have not been helpful, when they reported to an incident in the park, the narrative of the other party contained false information and left out some. One of the officers when getting our side of the story stated to my friend "Well, you seem intelligent." When we got a copy of the report, half the information given on our side was not included. Does anyone have any ideas who else we can contact for help in Tucson as there has been retaliation because of our actions.
Looking for help ASAP.

[Bygeorge]

Call the TV stations until you get a bite. Get it on the news if possible. The local NAACP Chapter might decide to demonstrate. If this is as you describe it, it is unacceptable. Try and capture it on cellphone if possible. Have a 3d party try and get video.

How old is the lady? There are laws against "attacking" seniors.

Who are the perpetrators? Young males? Homeless? Who?

[Serenity1944]

I live in an independent living facility, very nice. If you and your lady friend can afford an apartment here you two might like it here. We have some residents of your race, white, Hispanic, all welcome and friendly with each other. Rent includes meals, van transportation, maid service, and many activities. Let me know if you would like the name of our facility, etc.

[smarino]

You're in Arizona. A lot of people think Tucson is a liberal place, but it isn't. When my wife and I moved there (she's black, I'm white), we were at some sort of out door event and this young man kept staring at us across the way and pointing to us and talking w/ his buddies. He had a real hateful stare going on, like we didn't belong there. I excused myself and went over there and sat down right next to him, staring right at him the whole way. Never said a word, just kept staring right at him from 2' away. You could see his adams apple move up and down as he swallowed hard. I'm only 5'8", but being from the South I do not play, and really don't care if the sun don't come up tomorrow. Bring it on! I sat there for a good ten minutes, and never a word from him or his buddies. Then I got up, went and sat by my wife, and when I looked over there a while later they were gone. You have to stand up to those people, whether you're a male or a female. Get right in their face. They are cowardly punks, and need to understand that their racism is not OK, and it just might get them hurt.

There is no one to call for help. It is your problem and you need to resolve it, or ignore it, which just encourages them. I'm a firm believer in the old saying that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. I'm 65 now, and not afraid of nobody, and when people see that look in your eyes it means something. The people that would do these things are like animals, and can smell fear, and like to attack those that are weaker or less able in some way, but if you stand up to them they become exactly what they are. Scared cowards.

Having said that, I don't go walking through the streets of Detroit waving my Rebel flag at midnight either. You have to exercise some common sense. So maybe either avoid that park, or carry something for self defense. Just in case :]

Or, move. We moved from Tucson for lots of other reasons, finally ended up in St Petersburg, Fl, and love it here. We fit right in because we're liberals living in a liberal city. What you and I described does not happen in liberal cities.

[jksn75]

Is it the same park and the same group? Are they homeless? It's odd that the same group would continually be hanging out in the park. I would call the cops each and every time something happens. If they keep getting repeated calls, this group is going to pick another place to hang out. Chances are they have warrants and/or drugs on them and won't want to keep drawing attention to themselves. As far as the cops not being helpful, if they didn't include what you said in their report, is it because you were not there to witness it? She needs to keep calling them and she needs to file charges. Another thought is to have her carry a hidden recorder as she walks through the park.

[bkolodzi]

Unfortunately, you will find racism in any city, not just Tucson. You will find racism wherever that are ignorant people. It does not matter if you are liberal or conservative, there are racists of every race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Fortunately it is far less prevalent than it used to be. I am sorry you are having issues at your local park. Like others have said, try and get video. Keep reporting to the police. Walk in groups if possible. I happen to be a white conservative and I do not judge a person by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character! Keep on walking and do not let the haters win.

[Bygeorge]

It would be nice to hear some follow up from the OP.

[rbohm]

tucson IS a liberal place, which is why there is a lot of racism around. note that the city council is democrat as is the pima county board of governors.

that said, my advice to the OP is to have your friend carry a recording device, and record everything these hooligans say, and give copies to the police to back up your story. otherwise it is you said/they said kind of deal. and in that situation there isnt much that can be done.

personally i abhor racism and wish it would go away.