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, controversial video of police arresting men inside a Starbucks, I’m bothered by the employee who called the cops. I’m 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’s the little things, right?
Starbucks is the ultimate “meet up” spot. If the term “meet up” comes up in conversation, most of the time we think this particular coffee shop. It’s 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’t 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: “We 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.”
When I hear that, I’m assured that the company is headed in the right direction, and not afraid to be accountable for what happened that day.
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