Disappointed in employees and cops, but what about Starbucks?
Apr 16, 2018, 4:54 PM | Updated: 4:55 pm
A plain-clothed police officer, right, mans a position behind the counter at the Starbucks that has become the center of protests Monday, April 16, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)
(AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)
When I see the recent, inside a Starbucks, I鈥檓 bothered by the employee who called the cops. I鈥檓 also bothered by the cops that arrested the gentlemen.
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As for Starbucks, do I believe that they, as a company, discriminate against people of color? No.
Yes, I love their coffee, but the main reason that I go to Starbucks every morning is because they say my name every time. Hey, it鈥檚 the little things, right?
Starbucks is the ultimate 鈥渕eet up鈥� spot. If the term 鈥渕eet up鈥� comes up in conversation, most of the time we think this particular coffee shop. It鈥檚 where I used to meet up for first dates. Yes, there were times that I arrived first and had to use the restroom before I purchased something. Haven鈥檛 most of us done this? This is why the video is so disturbing. The image of two men walking out in handcuffs is something I believe could have been prevented.
The response has been good. CEO of Starbucks, Kevin Johnson followed up with a video. In that video, what stands out to me is when he says: 鈥淲e also will further train our partners to better know when police assistance is warranted. Additionally, we will host a company-wide meeting next week to share our learnings, discuss some immediate next steps and underscore our long-standing commitment to treating one another with respect and dignity.鈥�
When I hear that, I鈥檓 assured that the company is headed in the right direction, and not afraid to be accountable for what happened that day.
