Cyrus Langhorne
Coffee giant Starbucks isn’t trying to stir up anymore controversy. The brewing giant has announced plans to close 8,000 store locations next month as a result of the now-infamous Philadelphia area arrests.
According to the company’s CEO Kevin Johnson, it will use May 29 – a Tuesday – to train nearly 200,000 employees on racial bias at its stores.
“I’ve spent the last few days in Philadelphia with my leadership team listening to the community, learning what we did wrong and the steps we need to take to fix it,” Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in a statement. “While this is not limited to Starbucks, we’re committed to being a part of the solution,” he said. “Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities.” (CNN)
Over the past few days, music mogul Russell Simmons has called out the coffee empire for its now-infamous arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia store.
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A couple days ago, comedian Kevin Hart went to Twitter to single out the coffee franchise but did not call for a boycott.
Message to the @Starbucks in Philadelphia….Our city is shining bright like a diamond right now. Please make this situation right. I repeat please make this situation right!!!!!!! Once again MAKE THIS RIGHT
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 15, 2018
Let's make one thing very clear….This is not a boycott @Starbucks situation….This is horrible management. The manager on duty was wrong. It's that simple…That's who needs to take responsibility for this wrong doing.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 15, 2018
I will address your ignorance professionally…I have no obligation or relationship with @Starbucks 1st and foremost. @hm problem came from the top which gave reason for the reaction to that situation. This problem comes from a bad hire. The person was wrong not the brand. https://t.co/kSA0wCgss4
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 15, 2018
Last weekend, the coffee conglomerate issued its apology which ultimately fell on deaf ears.
We apologize to the two individuals and our customers for what took place at our Philadelphia store on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/suUsytXHks
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) April 14, 2018
