Earlier this week a manager at a Philadelphia Starbucks called the police on two black men.This went viral and sparked outrage. As of Monday the manager was let go as protesters continue to flood the coffee house.
While speaking with the Philadelphia Inquirer, a Starbucks spokeswoman said the decision to part with the manager was a "mutual" decision.
Philadelphia Starbucks' embattled manager decides to leave company, report says (via @RyanGaydos) https://t.co/wegzRPOsw0
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 16, 2018
For the second day in a row, demonstrators poured into the Starbucks location in Philadelphia. The store was forced to close down by Monday afternoon.
About two dozen first filled the coffee house just after 7 a.m. as they shoted "Starbucks coffee is anti-black."
More on the incident from New York Daily News:
A pair of Philadelphia police officers cuffed the two men last Thursday after workers at the Starbucks called 911. The men asked to use the bathroom, but were denied access because they hadn’t ordered anything and didn’t leave when asked, authorities said.
The java giant has come under fire for the incident, which was captured on cellphone video, and the Seattle-based company’s apologies haven’t calmed furious protesters.
“We know that you don’t have the power to change everything — you’re just a figure heard,” shouted one protester to Starbucks executives in a video carried by ABC affiliate WPVI. “But we’re going to get to those in power, and we’re going to make sure that we shut you down.”
By 1 p.m., a sign posted to the door said the coffee house was “temprorily closed,” according to a local NBC News reporter.
“I can tell you that that police officer did not want to have to make an arrest in that incident,” Ross told WPVI. “The whole thing, we just wish it didn't happen.”
He also claimed his officers did not break any rules.
“Here's the thing, unless someone comes forward with something more than I know now, it doesn't appear that they did anything wrong at all,” Ross continued. “In fact, they were really trying not to make an arrest in this case.”
While making these remarks, the protestors continued their weekend demonstration into the work week.
Abdul-Aliy Muhammad of the Black and Brown Workers Collective was a part of the protest, outside of the store. He said, “We don't want this Starbucks to make any money today. That's our goal.”
But two things remain unresolved.
1. The Starbucks manager who called the police is still employed.
2. The Philadelphia police department and Commissioner Richard Ross still maintain they did nothing wrong in arresting those men. Ross has even slandered those men publicly.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) April 16, 2018
I’m with @Sunny Hostin. If reports are true that the #Philadelphia @Starbucks manager has been moved to another store, that’s an issue. That person should never be allowed to work at any #Starbucks again. And until then, Starbucks won’t get my money! ?? #TheView #SunnyHostin
— Jawn Murray (@JawnMurray) April 16, 2018
Inquiring minds would like to know?
Has that manager been fired from ALL Starbucks or just the one in Philadelphia????— MsB (@60bimbim) April 16, 2018
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