Being African American in Silicon Valley is a struggle because of pre conceived notions. I live in East Palo Alto and my friends ask why I would choose to live here. My family and I relocated from Atlanta and found that EPA has affordable housing. This was the primary reason why we chose EPA to live. I have experienced uncomfortable situations when shopping at Stanford Mall. Once, while in Bloomingdales, the cashier flat out refused to accept my credit card despite producing FOUR ID's. When asked why I could not purchase my items I was told it was because I did not have a boomingdales credit card. I attempted to use my VISA. Another time at the Office Depot in San Carlos, I attempted to exchange a desk lamp that I purchased and the management refused an exchange. I then asked for a refund upon producing the receipt and was promply told by the manager that if i did not leave the store he would call the police and have them drag me out the store! I'm not claiming racisim, but a sever lack of tack and customer service on the part of these establishments.
There seems to be a feeling that if someone lives in East Palo Alto, the must be a thug or a criminal. I am neither. I have earned my degree in Public Administration and held professional positions in Atlanta. However, the only Job I have been able to land out here is a Maintenance Technician. It's tough on my family. My son attends the prestigious 49er academy and has experienced cruel tratment from his school peers. They say he acts white because he speaks proper english. All in all, we are considering moving away.