Starbucks talks race – Display of social & corporate responsibility a beacon

Starbucks continues to give me reasons to buy $3 Coffee

A dear friend placed a link on my Facebook page that simply said “Thought you would appreciate this.” She knows that Starbucks is my second office and if I am not at home I am usually at a Starbucks somewhere close to or far from home.

There are times I visit Starbucks twice a day. Every time I scan my phone, pay in cash, or use my credit card to pay I ask the same question. Why do I buy a simple Venti black coffee for $3.00+. I give myself the same answer. It’s because of environment and corporate responsibility.

I know my baristas well and they know me well. They have always spoken about the rather liberal benefits including healthcare for even part timers before Obamacare, education assistance, and much more.

As a person from Central America, a coffee growing region, supporting a company who strives to purchase coffee in a socio-economically responsible manner makes me willing to pay that three bucks. There are many other socially conscious decisions this company has made from support for the minimum wage (they pay substantially more) to environmentally sound practices.

Jumping into the current racial discourse in this country is a bold leap. This third rail is a place companies do not go if they do not have to. Having the CEO of a major corporation convene such an event with its partners shows unqualified courage. The letter sent out by Howard Schultz says it all. The last two paragraphs of his letter says it all.

I’ve always believed that core to our success has been our commitment to achieve the balance between our social conscience and responsible commerce. This is one of those times. Starbucks is far from perfect, and we do not claim to have solutions to our country’s complicated social issues. However, doing what is right for society and doing what is right for business cannot be mutually exclusive endeavors. While it is always safer to stand on the sidelines, that is not leadership. Today more than ever companies such as Starbucks must use their platforms and resources to create opportunities for their people, as well as for the communities they serve.

So today, we choose to act in a way that is authentic to us, by nurturing a sense of community and bringing people together through the lens of humanity. At this trying time, it is important for all of us to be open and to be present.

Now think about it. A coffee shop is generally a place of civil discourse. If Starbucks can help the conversation in a civil manner, it is all positive. I am willing to pay three bucks for my Venti black coffee, day after day for a company willing to be a conduit for good as it makes its profits.