Time to Listen: Real Life Stories
In a new series called “Time to Listen” we hope that by sharing personal stories from different members of our Preiss Company family we can all better understand the social inequalities that have existed for far too long.
It’s time for all of us to step up and show our solidarity and support. We need to listen, we need to learn, we need to act. People of color shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. This is a movement that needs all of us.
Allisiana Davis is the property manager of Quad West in Austin, TX.
Whew, I share this with the hope that everyone can see that this is a very pressing issue:
I was 14 when I had my first encounter with a police officer. It was an evening after school and basketball practice. I had finished all of my duties and began walking home from my high school to my apartment complex nearby. As I crossed the street, following all traffic guidelines, an officer pulled into the parking lot I was walking by and immediately exited his vehicle.
"Hands up, right now!" he demanded.
Shocked, and confused, I raised my hands and asked if I had done anything wrong. For most who know me, they would agree that I am more than willing to take accountability of my actions when needed. But in this situation, all I had done was cross the street. With my hands raised, I asked, "Officer, is there a problem?" He immediately snatched my gym bag and backpack and began to search through them. I know my rights and I certainly didn't authorize this search. He informed me that I fit the description of a wanted drug dealer in the area. He handcuffed me and told me to sit on the sidewalk. I continuously explained to him I was a freshmen at the high school across the street and I had just left basketball practice. He had a deaf ear to my explanation and who I actually was.
Shortly thereafter, more officers arrived in the parking lot. There were 2 additional officers who came over and began to question me. When one officer dumped out the contents of my backpack and gym bag on the ground, I grew irritated. I yelled, "Hey! That's my laptop and my work! You're ruining my work! I need these items!!" I jumped up from the curb in my defense to retrieve my belongings and was immediately pepper sprayed. I fell to the ground in agony and cried in fear from the pepper spray. It was the worst thing I've ever had to taste and the worst pain I've ever felt in my eyes.
I laid on the pavement in fear until the manager of a Dollar General located in the parking lot came out and stated that she knew who I was. She informed the officers that she sees me walking back and forth to school everyday and that I usually stop by the store on my way home to pick up items for home.
Shortly thereafter, I was released and able to go home. I alone had to gather up my belongings after the store manager helped me clean the pepper spray from my face.
I'm from a town where the KKK still rallies, where the school system is one sided to favor those of privilege, and the police officers harass more than they care. However, I never thought I would have to experience these situations in North Austin, Texas. My mother relocated my brothers and I out there to avoid such issues.
To see that these issues still exist today and remain a problem is heartbreaking. Sometimes, I feel there is an unwanted target on my back. Other times, I feel the need to stay silent in order to not be labeled as the "angry Black woman," when in reality, I am very angry. Anyone who knows me personally, outside of being a Property Manager, knows I love people hard. I have love for everyone... it's the God in me. But it angers me that someone of hate will never take the time to see the integrity of my character if they're stuck on being racist.
However, my biggest fear is being another Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, or Atatiana Jefferson. None of these women did any harm and were loved by their communities and families -- and all were killed by an unjust officer for no apparent reason other than being Black.
I was a high school freshman who did not cause any harm in that situation, and someone who remains gracious in all I do to this very day. My community, family, friends, sorority sisters and many more can speak to my character.
And I am proudly Black. My skin color should never be a reason to be stopped for crossing the street, yet alone end my life.
I truly encourage all to get active and voice your concerns. It will never stop until we can come together... as PEOPLE.
"For God so loved the world..."
He didn't specify just one group of people as elite...
God Bless All <3
Allisiana
We encourage any member of the Preiss Company family to share their personal story. Please email Joe.Woo@tpco.com if you’d like to do so.
