Angie Martinez

Angie Martinez

Angie Martinez is recognized as one of the most influential personalities in popular culture and multi-media. Originally known as "The Voice of New...Full Bio

 

Protest Follows After Two Black Men Arrested at Philly Starbucks

Protesters gathered at a Philadelphia Starbucks on Sunday, and plan to get together again on Monday morning, following the incident of the two black men that were arrested last week for allegedly refusing to leave the store.

The original incident happened on Thursday (April 12), when a Starbucks employee called 911 because two black men were sitting inside the café. When police arrived, they handcuffed the men and escorted them out of the shop. 

Demonstrators were seen carrying megaphones and signs that said phrases like, “Too Little Too Latte,” and confronted the employees behind the register.

Photo: Getty

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross made a statement saying the men hadn't purchased anything and refused to leave, which led to the arrest.

A video of the arrest went viral on Twitter and celebrities have spoken out on the situation.

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson quickly apologized for the 911 call that was made and that the two men were arrested. He said that the company is investigating the matter, but said the store manager “never intended for these men to be arrested and this should never have escalated as it did.”

"Creating an environment that is both safe and welcoming for everyone is paramount for every store," Johnson said. "Regretfully, our practices and training led to a bad outcome — the basis for the call to the Philadelphia police department was wrong. Our store manager never intended for these men to be arrested and this should never have escalated as it did."


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