Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 December 2002 — Page 3

. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27,2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

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NORDSTROM ► Continued from Pag* 1

Inc., Rush and the coalition point out three focus areas of concern. Each area is governed by what the coalition understands to be the mindset and culture of Nordstrom Inc. The main issues of concern are as follows: • Nordstrom displays a horrendous, racist attitude toward African-American employees in Indianapolis. • Nordstrom demonstrates an utter contempt for AfricanAmerican shoppers. • Nordstrom exhibits overwhelming tendencies toward preservation of racism by retaliation. Rush says the response that he and the coalition got from Nordstrom was not enough. “All Nordstrom did to us in all these months is, first they denied it Second they (admitted) to doing it in a limited way, (so they) did job postings for three days. Third, they said theyll get the Urban League to do diversity training.” In addition to working with the Urban League, Nordstrom was also a sponsor of this year’s Indiana Black Expo Corporate Luncheon. When asked if he felt that Nordstrom’s interaction with Black organizations in the city was a way for the company to develop positive relationships with the African American community, Rush adamantly said no. “TTiat’s clearly absolutely crazy. I see that as disingenuous... that’s not good enough. Nordstrom understands the problem that they got. Otherwise, a $7 billion company doesn’t come down here, meet with us and try to buy out our coalition by sponsoring Expo or going to the Urban League or Radio One.” Included in the aforementioned memorandum is also a list of proposed actions and demands. Below are a few of the requests: • Establishment of racially neutral employment practices and policies with respect to (a) promotions, (b) job posting and (c) raises. • Termination of all racial profiling with respect to customers and Toss prevention. • Implementation of a plan designed to increase the overall percentage of minorities em-

HOUSING ► Continued from Page 1 thing abruptly came to an end. “After I got over the shock of being cut from the team, I knew that I had to move on with mv life,” he said. “And I know that these kids need to move on in a positive direction. Some of them today think that the quick money is the way to go, but they need to get their priorities straight, and realize tnat hard work and a positive attitude brings about satisfaction and suc-

cess.

Ronnetta Slaughter, who is public information officer for the agency, attended the pre-plan-ning meetings for the program. “I think it’s an amazing program,” she said. “We have a large number of residents, including adults and children, and it would be unfortunate for us to ignore the opportunity to make a positive dinerence in their lives. And that goes for education, employment, housing, or whatever their needs may be, because we should be

there to help them.”

Howard reflected on what was asked of him when he joined the agency. “Mr. Meyers asked me to take a look around at what areas to work with,” he said. “I looked at the area of education, and thought about all the talk that goes on about mentoring the youth, and decided that this program needed r to be put into action. The kids are i* so inspired by all ofthis, and their ( parents are actively involved, as v well. They come in the evenings

and sit with their kids.

ployed by Nordstrom, as well as the relative percentages of minorities in management positions at Nordstrom. In addition to the list of actions and demands, Rush and the coalition feel that there is still more that Nordstrom needs to do to fix the problem. They need acknowledgement, they need a public apology, and they need to deal with reupolicy changes at the Nordstrom store,” said Rush. Rush feels that everyone in the city needs to join together and rally against Nordstrom. “I’m urging all public, people of color and consciousness,” said Rush. “I think that it’s important that a company like (Nordstrom) be looked upon from the whole buying public and I think it should not matter about economic status and class. I’m telling (the public), don’t shop Nordstrom, tear up your card and write to Peter and Blake Nordstrom.” According to Rush, there are several other complainants who are pursuing legal action. Some are taking their cases to court or are currently in litigation. Over the months Rush and the coalition have been criticized by members of the community who feel that they are just fighting a losing battle, but he strongly disagrees. “Whether or not people see the advocacy of David fighting a Goliath, the truth of the matter is, the truth is only the truth. Whether or not someone has might does not make them right.” Rush concludes by simply saying, “it’s us today, but them tomorrow." After conducting research, The Recorder cannot validate the accusations.

State alleges fraud by window company owner

Ipedel t* The Recerier On behalf of 100 Indiana consumers, Attorney General Steve Carter is taking legal action against Cherokee Windows and Sunrooms owner Jose Luna for alleged violations of the state’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. Carter seeks restitution, costs and civil penalties. “It is unacceptable to take someone’s money as a down payment and never show up to start or complete the work,” Carter said. “There are more than 100 customers that we know about who trusted this company to deliver and all they got were empty promises month after month.” The state’s lawsuit alleges that Luna entered into contracts, collected down payments and failed to perform any work. Each contract entered into contained a statement that all work would be complete within 4 to 8 weeks from the date of contract. “Some customers paid as much as $6,200 with nothing to show for it,” Carter added. “What we are attempting to do through the lawsuit is to get these type of down payments back for

people.” Many Cherokee customers were asked to provide at least half of the total cost of the project as a down payment. As a general rule, the attorney general’s office recommends that customers provide only a quarter to one-third of the total project cost as a down payment. Additionally, Indiana requires a contract for any home improvement contract project that will cost more than $150. Customers who also pay by credit card may have an alternative avenue to pursue a refund. Under the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are provided a dispute mechanism to dispute billings for goods and services billed for but not received. However, you must notify the credit card company of the disputed charge within 60 days.

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what we did. We have college graduates (from several different colleges and universities), and some of our own employees who come out and help, also. But we could use many more who are interested in helping our young

people to move forward.”

Howard has lots more ideas for activities and projects for the community as an outreach for a better community. Look for de-

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For more information about this mentoring program, contact Jackson at (317) 261-7363.

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