Starbucks Changed Its Stance On Letting Baristas Wear BLM Apparel— These Black Coffee Shops Will Do You One Better

After receiving backlash from fans, Starbucks has had a change of heart on its position prohibiting employees from wearing apparel, such as T-shirts or pins, that support the “Black Lives Matter” movement. In a press release posted to employees, earlier this week the coffee giant revealed that it would not allow baristas to promote the moment. This is despite the fact that it has publicly supported “Black Lives Matter” on its social media channels.

In a new statement released on Friday, Starbucks said they felt it was “critical to support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement as its founders intended and will continue to work closely with community leaders, civil rights leaders, organizations, and our partners to understand the role that Starbucks can play, and to show up in a positive way for our communities.”

For many, us here at mitú included, Starbuck’s decision to allow its employees to promote the BLM movement by wearing paraphernalia associated with it is just a little too late. And certainly not enough.

If you’re looking to promote the BLM movement, we encourage you to do so by buying Black. The next time you crave some coffee forget Starbucks! Shoppe Black is a website that curates Black-owned places to buy from and they recently shared Black coffee shops to buy from.

Check some of them out below.

South LA Cafe 

(Los Angeles, CA) Get your coffee, tea, and healthy and affordable food options all here in this South LA spot.

Cuples Tea House

(Baltimore, MD) This family-owned business also produces tea that offers loose leaf teas, tea accessories, and tons of culture.

Kaffeine Coffee Internet & Office Cafe

(Houston, TX) Kaffeine Coffee is supposed to be a funky cafe that provides coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods.

Not So Urban Coffee & Roastery 

(Oxford, GA) According to Shop Black, Not So Urban is a small batch micro roaster specializing serving coffee sourced from Africa, South/Central America, and Asia.

Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe 

(St Paul, MN) This coffee shop provides a setting with jazz music cakes and treats.

More Than Java Cafe’ 

(Laurel, MD) According to reviews, More Than Java is a vibrant spot featuring classic cafe dishes and ice cream.

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse

(Philadelphia, PA) It’s not just a coffee store! Amalgam is also a comic book store that offers offers everything from comics, toys, games, and figurines. As well as baked goods!