Following protests and widespread calls for a boycott in the days after a store manager in Philadelphia had a pair of Black men arrested, Starbucks announced yesterday (April 17) that it will close 8,000 company-owned locations in May to provide anti-bias training for employees.
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On 5/29, we’ll close US company-owned stores to conduct racial-bias training to address implicit bias & prevent discrimination. We’re taking a hard look at who we are as a company. We’re ashamed & recognize that racial bias is a problem we must address. https://t.co/xIYc75BJPj
rnt— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) April 17, 2018
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It wasn’t long before patrons, civil rights leaders and writers took to social media to discuss the move.
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if Starbucks has figured out an impactful way to educate ppl on racial bias in a single afternoon I hope they share their notes with the police https://t.co/8X8YGacgxh
rnt— @PiaGlenn (@PiaGlenn) April 17, 2018
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Good first step @Starbucks! But must do MORE! Compensate the 2 Black men. Announce national & uniform policy on waiting. Establish training & job placement program 4 Blacks in local community. Constitute Fund for BLM & groups which oppose police brutality. Support Black licensees https://t.co/uontiz3zYn
rnt— Barbara Arnwine (@barbs73) April 18, 2018
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Racial bias training at Starbucks: pic.twitter.com/C8ZPT7qg9U
rnt— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 17, 2018
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What happened at that Philly Starbucks could have happened at any public space here in America. Starbucks doesn’t have a problem, America does.
rnt— thefieldnegro (@fieldnegro) April 18, 2018
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"Anti-Blackness is currency. It’s not just about Starbucks, it’s about the racist violence woven into the city." – @FeministaJones speaking on (and AT) yesterday’s #BoycottStarbucks protest in Philadelphia
rnt— #Halfric??nAmerican (@lenubienne) April 18, 2018
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The Philadelphia police department should follow the example of @Starbucks and implement racial bias training and add a course called common sense. pic.twitter.com/aWK0DbTWKA
rnt— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 18, 2018
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Despite the news that @Starbucks will close all of its company-owned stores on the afternoon of May 29 for racial-bias education day, many black and brown people are seeking alternatives to Starbucks. https://t.co/NCRopcfJVS
rnt— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) April 18, 2018
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