ROCKFORD, IOWA – A Rockford woman is suspicious that she was banned from a local convenience store due to the color of her skin.
Juanita Billinger was on her way to Mason City Tuesday to “speak with the civil rights commissioner” until NIT informed her the local Human Rights office has been closed for some time. She tells NIT that she is a single mother of four and can no longer enter the only convenience store in the small Floyd county town of Rockford after the Express Mart there officially banned her.
Juanita – who drives to work in Mason City most days – explains that employees of the store never told her she was banned; she found out when a Floyd county sheriff’s deputy knocked on her door and served her a paper. Juanita is African-American, as is her friend, Eric Childs of Rockford, who was also banned from the store. He also received a letter, hand-delivered by a deputy.
Juanita says she said very little to the deputy when he served the paper, and was left confused as to what she “possibly could have done” to get banned from the store. She described that there was a misunderstanding about ordering chicken from the store, but otherwise, there was never an issue she can think of. (See video, below, for more on that.)
“I feel like… at this point it could be the color of my skin,” Juanita said Tuesday during an interview with NIT. “If not the color of my skin, this is some form of discrimination.”
Mr. Childs did not comment on the situation.
“I can’t believe they actually served my friend. Really strange how both the letters say the same thing. We have not had any confrontation with these employees. I’m so confused and very upset,” Juanita said.
“I dont feel like EVERY PERSON in Rockford is racist. I feel like my situation is a form of discrimination.”
NIT spoke with Floyd County Chief Deputy Jeff Crooks Tuesday afternoon about the matter. He says the letters are a “civil matter” and no charges were ever brought against Juanita or Eric. Also, he says there was never an official complaint made about any behavior or incident involving the two Rockford residents. However, he did also say that they could be cited for trespassing or even arrested if they venture back into the store.
NIT also called the Express Mart seeking information on the matter. A female employee told NIT she couldn’t talk about what happened. During another call Tuesday, NIT was able to reach Express Mart owner Scott Parks.
Mr. Parks told NIT that he wouldn’t say anything about the matter because it would get “twisted” by Juanita, who was being vocal on social media Tuesday about what was happening to her. Mr. Parks went on to say that “she knows what happened” and that Express Mart “does not take lightly, the banning of people from our stores”.
“We take that very seriously,” Mr. Parks said.
For now, Juanita is left with nowhere in town to shop and is worried that her kids could go without should she need milk or something of that nature in a pinch. She says she wishes things could get worked out so she could come back to Express Mart to shop.
Just think, if this story would not have been put on social media, for all to see/read, very few would have known about it. This is kind of like the story about the woman that found maggots in one of her 15 hamburgers after she had eaten 14. People should be careful what they put on social media, as there’s always a backlash.
Each and every person living, either has had or will encounter some form of discrimination at some point in their life. It is up to the individual to decide to say it isn’t accepted in my life or just leave it alone. Juanita is just one that decided to say OK enough is enough. Every person that is not Caucasian doesn’t have to be ignorant, or uneducated. God gives us all talents that we must discover within ourselves. It takes some longer to develop that others, some people including Caucasians has encounters with others that will make them be called names. Racism exists everywhere, to all people at some time. Get off her case, let her fight her fight her way and get her justice where it is due. Until you have went through what she has gone through, you will not understand her fight.
If she and or her kids were rude and disruptive in this store then good job to the owner for protecting your workers. I don’t think she is telling the truth and trying to play the race card on this is totally BS. A business has the right to ban service to anyone who wants to act like an ass.
I would not think that she ever acted like an “ass” in that or any other store. All kids can get a little out of hand at times, not just the black kids
A chicken misunderstanding?!?
It is pretty certain that most businesses would get legal advice before banning a customer through legal means. It is sad that an individual would go to an online forum to try to trash a business rather than trying to resolve this through the HRC. She was told it had moved to DM and I’m sure she was told how to make contact as well. It would have been far classier to fight this through them instead of through this online mess of opinionated people who know nothing about the situation.
I do agree that businesses need to start cleanup after they close for the night. Having wet floors is dangerous to the public and customers should not be made to feel as if they are inconveniencing the employee just because they come in five minutes before closing. Employers need to be willing to pay more for clean up time.
You just chastised this woman for airing her grievances here and then quickly weighed in on issues you know absolutely nothing about. I hope you get subpoened if and when this should ever become litigated and perhaps then learn the hard way to keep your mouth shut.
I know plenty about the issue I addressed. I have owned or managed several businesses. OSHA has rules about wet floors, signage, and safety. In my businesses, I have learned that opening procedures must be completed before the doors are opened and closing procedures must not be started until the doors are closed. Customers should never feel they are interrupting something more important than they are. Sometimes I learned this the hard way.
Where are the two champions of justice, al sharpton and jesse jackson when you need them. They will get to the bottom of this.
First off, it says she drives to mason shitty every day for work. Plenty of places to get groceries. Second, I agree that the only convenience store in the very small town of Rockford, Ia would ban anyone without proper reason. They know their legal rights as a small business and I highly doubt they would jeopardize their business. I’m sure they remained well within their legal bounds. They are the only convenience store in such a small town and I’m sure it’s a thriving business. I have family in Rockford and have spent alot of time in that town. I would guarantee there is more going on here than people know. She’s not going to tell you the truth if she is in the wrong, and altho I don’t know her, I’d be willing to wager she was definitely in the wrong. Sounds like to me she is looking for sympathy. Ain’t gettin none here. Keep that race card shit at bay. There is no racial conspiracy against blacks in this country as they want everyone to believe.
Ken you know next to SQUAT about American history. Racism was and is EVERYWHERE, including right here on NIT and in between your ears. I’m studying AMERIKKKA’s history prior to 1877. This entire nation was founded on the backs of people such as Juanita and her ancestors. You owe her more than you know.
What if…..??? “Maybe” she rode up to the store on a Harley with extra loud pipes and they banned her for that. Is it ok she if she did something like that?
I don’t know what to think, you’re the one with 5600 credits and a 19.0 GPA after taking an on-line law degree class for the last two weeks. Please render your verdict Judge.
@Buzz-I will bet you are right. She is a Harley rider and that just pissed the store manager off because of those loud obnoxious pipes. And don’t forget, they are just abusing her because of her skin color and we owe her.
@LVS….I don’t have proof, but I think the number of cards in a Race Card deck, is unlimited. They also trump everything and can be played at any time.
It seems to me that this person deserves to be presented with a reason for this action! Father Joseph Mirowski
I have lived in Rockford for all 41 years of my life, and Sandy use to be the manager of the store downtown, depending on who you are she can come off very rude and mean for no reason! There was also a lady there whose name i believe was ann, she also could be very unprofessional and rude, but I’ve noticed them employees were there forever and nothing was done. Now I’m not defending this person at all, but I believe the owner should also look how their employees come off towards customers, because I know myself I don’t go into a gas station to be treated like shit for no reason. For example if you go in at 830 and they close at 9 and whoever is working will be moping the floor and you walk through the store to get the stuff you want to purchase and they are rude to you because you have to walk on there mopped floor and tell you to try to not walk around because they don’t want to have to clean up behind you and when they are telling you they are not being polite about it an any way shape or form, like really if your going to be rude about doing your job why don’t you wait till after closing hours to mop the floor where there won’t be customers coming in that you can be rude too!
How come customers get banned for being rude. But I’ve dealt with alot of employees there and over time there has been a lot of ruse ‘s and snotty employees and that’s okay?
When I worked at the Globe, they required you to take all the abuse their idiot customers could dish out. Get screamed at? Cool, just smile and try to sell them more. Called names? Interrupted? Belittled? Maybe some profanities sprinkled in by the precious rube writing the check? Hey, all in a day’s work at the Globe Gazette. Customer comes first there, unless you never get your paper, then you are outta luck. Don’t forget, the sales people reign supreme there, too, you can’t discuss anything with them. And if you dare to say anything at all back, they march you into a Russian-style office for the classic Office Space write-up on a TPS report. I gave the giant “X” and dared them to fire me more than once. My dignity is worth more than that worthless job ever was.
All it takes for a business to ban someone is a sign that reads…….we have the right to refuse service to anyone.
Don’t even need the sign, but in retail, you are going to have some doozies from time to time. It’s all customer service skills. Easier to ban someone than continue to take their cash, it seems, which is a quick solution but in the long run it costs. The customer would have to be pretty atrocious for that plan to work out, I think.
same’o same’o your only doing this because im black
Do you think there are not whites that act or speak inappropriately at times? H*ll yes there are. But what happens when that takes place?
Wow! First off I don’t know this person but you need to take the proper channels and resolve this. It sounds like the owner took proper channels to deal with what he needed with you and did not use social media to present one (his side). If you want to be respected respect that he had issue(s) and took legal action to resolve the issue(s) and that you have those very same rights. There are good and bad people in every walk of life so lets throw out the race card and deal with facts. All lifes matter do it the right way through the legal system. I personally know Scott Parks and would find it hard to believe he would treat a customer this way but again use the legal system if you were wronged. I personally would have contacted legal council immediately and the ball rolling before I let an article be printed that I have not yet taken proper legal action and give a story like this. Peace to all.
What kind of fantasy world do you live in? Seeking legal counsel? This woman has 4 kids and has trouble getting out to buy milk and a loaf of bread. You think she’s going to reach in her back pocket and grab a thousand dollars to throw down on an overpriced lawyer? And what good would that do if she did? Do you understand the concept of institutional racism and a corrupt legal system? Going to alternative media precisely IS the right channel. And the broader point Matt is making OBVIOUSLY, is the absent HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. You must be new to this game.
There is always free legal help! She is just reaping what she sows.
What exactly did she sow? from your point of view?
At least she should get a reason why she was being banned. I would think that a reason would have to be given to authorities as well. Especially if there is no sign that says we have the right to refuse to serve anyone, or something close to that.
Yep, you can’t make this shit up.
I think it’s time for NIT to get to the bottom of who this troll KKK is. He’s obviously responsible for a lot of crass comments recently.
Society needs to address the issue of internet anonymity as it applies to abuse, and the ability for these anonymous cowards to launch attacks from the privacy of their ip address. I for one and sick of it. Look at the deviance it allows for. This loser writing all these sicko comments is clearly relishing his masked identity. Crack that nut open, throw him out in the light of day, and watch him burn. But here’s the thing…I’m no dummy. The only one with the ability to embed video is Marquardt himself. So what does that tell you?
to;dr
You’re incorrect in your assumption.
. Race card? In Rockford Iowa? Really? I’m surprised you pulled your nose out of the mason city mayors butt long enough to go chase something like this!
You guys are rude and ignorant. This woman was in tears and crying because of this situation and some other racial experiences she has encountered with her kids in her from yard!! Driving by calling them the N word! She is a nice respectful woman so keep your negative comments to yourself.
The business is being professional by not commenting publicly…plus, they are going to be ready to go to court…they’ll show their hand/evidence in court…most convenient stores don’t make a habit of banning customers.
Black lives only matter. Don’t you people get it
Well said
Ma’am….. Please take a step back, think about it and STOP airing your situation on this website. I sincerely fear that you are providing information that has the potential to compromise your case, since everything is being now tried in the court of public opinion. This is not the way to bring resolution to your complaint and the last recourse that you should ever consider. The video of your minor child here might become something else that is used against you.
I understand what you are saying and the fact that i have my son is because i am a single mom. I never dealt with anything like this and as i read these comments I’m feeling attacked so i am going to stop reading these and try to continue living my life. You have to understand this situation is hard.
Should have done that 4 hours ago!!! Your banned. Move on!!!
You’re an ass, go away!
You could contact the Iowa Civil Rights commission to file a complaint, then they would have to provide a written reason why they trespassed you.
Yes I am going to Des Moines to meet with Lawyer and file my claim. All i’ve asked for is that!!!
Good for you…and bring the race card to them too.
Possibly the lady does not know why she was banned and if that is true the store owes her a answer as tio why. Now, that being said I can not believe the store banned her for no reason. They are certainly aware of possible law suits. Of course I am sure that they have posted somewhere the right to refuse service to anyone. But again, they wouldn’t ban their customers. That would really be dumb. I have some friends in Rockford and I will see what I can find out.
Well, if she’s banned from the Express Mart for the same length of time that Peter Lagios was banned from NIT, she’s got nothing to worry about. She can get her milk and gas by tomorrow afternoon.
Good one Buzz
Is this the lady who let’s her kids steal ice cream and when got caught many times blows up and calls every one racist???
No my kids never stole ice cream so maybe that was someone else. My kids are good kids and they are rarely outside and doesnt go to store alone. I am with my children when we are in the store. My kids are always at daycare because i have a job…
Of course your kids are the perfect angels…who’s aint???
it doesnt shock me that all the comments right now are very racist. I believe that this was very unprofessional. the fact that i asked for a reason and still cant get any proof or anything makes this situation what it is. I have never played the race game, my mom is white/Caucasian. I am a peaceful person so i asked for video or proof that i did something inappropriate or were i harrassed any one. The owner wont show it to me or wont give comment because its wrong and they know it. Wrong is Wrong!!!! Right is Right!!!!
At 5:04 pm you made the comment, “it doesnt shock me that all the comments right now are very racist”, how can you say that. None of the comments prior to yours at 5:04 contained anything racist. Didn’t you, in your own words start the race card by saying, “it could be the color of my skin”
Is it too hard for you to understand that MANY racist comments have been removed? There are plenty racist comments up right now. KKK? Is that racist enough for you? Allen, I’ve followed your comments for a long time now on NIT. You’re a racist to your core. Just admit it. When you admit that you’re a white supremacist who’s nostalgic for the good old days of the 50’s when black people were more compartmentalized away from homogenized white communities will go a long way to POSSIBLY achieving the results you look for. You want to live in a WHITES ONLY community. Declare this much and win your piece of mind.
Stop using my handle, asshole!!!
Unfortunately people racism does exist….until you ever have to experience such acts of disrespect you’ll never understand! You say with issues going on these days they be more careful? Have you watched the news lately?? Shits still happening everyday!!
Of course racism is there…nobody was born racist. But when these folks deal me a race card at every chance, than I become one. There for call me one…cause I am one then!
You are very a racist, that is pretty simple to see.
the employees who run this station are good people. This lady did something wrong and shes just looking for a bunch of sympathy..Matt , she just suckered you into one of the dumbest stories and you took it hook, line , and sinker !!!!!
Was my idea to do the story. I suggested the interview. She suckered no one. All the bases were covered by NIT, all the characters and players in this drama were talked to. I’m glad the 1000’s of people reading about it find the story interesting. Get it yet?
Did nothing wrong honestly. Didnt cause any big fuss about anything. I was never asked to leave the store was never told there was a problem so i am completely confused. If the people of Rockford was such good people why not help to find out why things happened the way they did. i am lost for word by the comments that i see. No one has stopped to ask themselves, ” what if she didnt do anything”?!!!
I know they’ve banned people in the past for shoplifting or driving off without paying for gas. Which one was it?????
Never have stole gas in my life and dont need to shoplift i have a job. The only reason this is a big deal is because they wont give me a reason or proof to lead up to their allegations and it makes me look like a bad person and i am not. I am sorry that you feel like something had to happen but in reality nothing happened and thats why they have nothing to say
Lol oh please. Black people make everything about their skin color these day.
Just wanted to say this does not give me any pleasure to have to go through this. I dont make things about my skin color. Believe it or not my mother is white. i am a good person and right now this situation is wrong. If had really done something i would own up to it and let it be. the fact still remains that no one has a real answer to why i was banned. I have been nothing but a customer and good resident. I dont start trouble i get up and go to work and take care of my children so yes im shocked and want answers.
YOU!! just made it about color by dealing the race card lady!! No one else.
You dealt the race card lady…no body else!
Wow!!! if there was any other reason id take it but there is no other reason why i was banned and thats why they have nothing to say.!!! Everyone is upset but who can justify why i was actually BANNED????
More Dog Whistle stories by NIT designed to charge up NIT’s racist base.
https://youtu.be/ec0iYEmy2Cw
Lagios, if NIT is so bad, why do you keep coming back?
I made this comment before watching the video. After watching the video I commend Matt for taking this issue on, and I do believe he’s interested in getting the scoop. With that said though, this is still a dog-whistle which brings out NIT’s resident racists. Just look at the comments being made. It’s well known many NIT regulars talk about African Americans in a very derogatory manner, especially those who transplant here from Detroit and Chicago, which I believe is why Matt asked where she moved here from. Had she said Detroit or Chicago, the message boards would light up with bigoted comments. I’m big enough to admit when I’m PARTIALLY wrong.
So now NIT’s real resident troll makes himself obvious. Rather than delete your comment, I would hope Marquardt would track down your IP address and attempt to reveal your true identity. Clearly you’re the one behind this recent hijacking of my name and onslaught of heinous comments. You are DERANGED. Your objectives are unintelligible and your mission is WHACK. Disrupt. Disrupt. Disrupt. Hate. Hate. Hate.
You see troll, where you and I differ…I have an intelligence that is sharp as a katana sword, with piercing insight, and a plan to better society…whereas you…
You’re just a dirty troll hanging under a bridge.
That Katana of mine….it’ll pierce through troll flesh nice and easy. So watch yourself punk.
Is that a threat or a promise?
I am sure the store bans everyone, their goal is to sell nothing right?
While neither party is saying exactly what happened, the first thing that is mentioned, is skin color. With all the problems that are going on in society right now, concerning skin color, I would think that Express Mart would be very careful in doing something like this. Would it be news worthy if it had happened to a Caucasian person, and what would be their recourse. I have seen signs in several businesses that say, we reserve the right to refuse service, doesn’t that mean anything anymore. The truth is out there, it just needs to be told.
Of course it had to be about “sum chikken”
LOL
Dindu didn’t do nuffin!