A group of approximately thirty students recently gathered in front of Starbucks on Georgia Avenue, armed with chalk and a mission. Their aim? To send a strong message of solidarity with Palestinians and to protest against international companies linked to Israel’s occupation of Gaza.
The Chalked Messages
Throughout the day, the students adorned the sidewalk with messages such as “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Starbuck” This protest, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), served as a form of resistance against corporate entities aligning themselves with Israel.
Starbucks and McDonald’s in the Spotlight
For Starbuck Public Support
Bria Miller, a fifth-year architecture student and SJP member, explained that Starbuck had overtly declared support for Israel. This reference was made in response to a statement by Starbuck Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly. The boycott gained momentum following a cease-and-desist letter from Kelly to Starbuck Workers United, who had expressed solidarity with Palestine on social media.
Legal Response from Starbucks
In response to the unauthorized use of their name and logo, Starbucks filed a complaint against Workers United in the United States District Court. Kelly emphasized that the opinions of Workers United do not represent Starbuck, expressing sympathy for those affected by the conflict.
McDonald’s and Acts of Solidarity
McDonald’s, in a different move, declared they would provide free food to Israeli soldiers after the October 7 attack by Hamas. This action, reported by the New York Times, took place amid escalating violence in the region.
The Human Impact
Despite Starbuck condemnation of violence, some students, including Miller, remain steadfast in their boycott. Miller stressed, “We are not supporting companies that support Israel, who have been waging a genocide against Palestinians for the past 75 years.”
Impact on Businesses
A part-time Howard student reported a noticeable decline in customers at the Georgia Avenue Starbuck post-boycott. An anonymous employee shared, “Today is the busiest day we’ve had in a while,” highlighting the palpable effect of the boycott.
Starbucks Environment during the Boycott
A student noted that the atmosphere inside Starbuck on the day of the boycott was “awkward,” especially for those aware of the ongoing protest outside. Starbucks workers at the Georgia Avenue location declined to comment on the demonstration or the boycott.
Police Presence
During the organized boycott, a call for service was placed at the Starbuck location on Georgia Avenue. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the scene but provided no details on the nature of the call.
Jaliyaa Coffee: An Alternative
While some students continued to patronize Starbuck during the boycott, Miller redirected others to Jaliyaa Coffee, a black-owned business. Jaliyaa Coffee pledged to contribute 25 percent of its proceeds to Palestinian relief efforts.
Students for Justice in Palestine
Sydney Thornton, a junior political science major, established the Howard branch of Students for Justice in Palestine following the October 7 attack. Thornton aimed to raise awareness among Howard University students about the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip.
Conclusion
Thornton emphasized the importance of students voicing their concerns and advocating for justice. She noted, “It’s important to raise awareness and show them [Palestinians] that they aren’t alone.” The student-led boycott signifies a growing movement on campuses, prompting a reevaluation of corporate ties in the context of international conflicts.
