Starbucks Gentlemen Stomp On Stereotypes


Credit: youtube/abc video clip 

So shout out to the two young brothers from Philadelphia who shattered the two long stereotypes that young black men are un-educated, lazy, hardened criminals with only a desire to wear the latest overpriced gear named after celebrities who they never see in their communities.  Kudos to Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson who showed the epitome of grace under fire after being arrested at a Rittenhouse Square Starbucks in one of the ritziest neighborhoods in the city. A neighborhood as reported by the ACLU that has the highest rate of “Stop and Fisk” stops of African American men in the city of Brotherly Love, which has proven per the data not to show much love to men of color.  This week they settled with the City of Philadelphia for a mere $1 dollar each and an agreement that the city would establish a $200,000 fund to support and educate young entrepreneurs in the city.  The settlement with the coffee giant Starbucks has a non-disclosure agreement that includes a commitment from the CEO Kevin Johnson to support the gentlemen’s completion of their college education.  Would it not be a true offer of the olive branch from the CEO to offer the men a franchise opportunity, since his comments included an interest in a long term relationship with the men? If I were a betting woman (which I am not, I’m paying full price for my daughter’s college education), the settlement amount is more than what they needed to start the business they were meeting a potential partner for that faithful day when they were arrested in Starbucks.  It reminds me of the adage “What the devil meant for bad God turned for the good.” Their commitment to want something positive to come from this situation speaks volumes to their character,  values and love for their community far beyond the manager who could see nothing beyond her racist views of black men in America by calling the police.  Let’s let the actions of Rashon and Donte set the tone for how to truly stamp out negative images and empower our community.  By the way, I hope they buy a home in Rittenhouse Square…Right next to Starbucks Lol!    That’s Frankie’s Final Word And I’m Sticking To It!


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content