Training can help Starbucks win back customer comfort
From the actions that were taken by the police officers at the Starbucks in Philadelphia, it is evident that Starbucks’ employees are not properly trained to handle situations involving race.
I agree with the editor in that Starbucks should implement a form of training that can help discrimination from happening by employees, and to help prevent situations like the one in Philadelphia from happening again.
To help prove my point, like founder of Kansas City-based SocialWorx PR, Jenny Kincaid Julian said, “Relations and relationships are key.” It is important for people to feel comfortable going to any restaurant and trust that they will not face any form of discrimination, especially violence.
I also agree that Starbucks shouldn’t have to do it because of publicity. I think it should be done because in today’s world safety is everything. Businesses like Starbucks should be able to provide their customers the security they need when attending their business.
Julio Carbajal, Mission
Bicyclists, not just motorists can also be better
I recently wrote about inattentive drivers, especially when it comes to cyclists and pedestrians. But cyclists have flaws, too.
They ignore stop signs; they wiggle among vehicles; and, they fail to notify other cyclists and pedestrians when passing them.
Get a bell, or yell, “On your left!” Or yell, “On your right!”
Avoid collisions.
Eugene “Gene” Novogrodsky, Brownsville
We should all observe Juneteenth
Texas history has long forgotten Juneteenth Day, the traditional day for the end of slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger stood on a balcony of Ashton Villa in Galveston to read General Order No. 3 that proclaimed the emancipation of all black slaves, as his 2,000 union troops occupied Texas for the federal government.
There was rejoicing, singing and dancing in the streets by all the freed slaves, which numbered over 1,000 in the Houston and Galveston area in the 1860 census. This celebration would soon turn into an annual event in Texas that included family reunions eating traditional southern meals of beef, pork and chicken that was downed with red strawberry soda (probably symbolizing the red wine that was originally enjoyed on the first celebration), as well as rodeos, street fairs, baseball games and beauty pageants.
Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation were also conducted in the city parks, as well as singing traditional southern religious songs.
On Tuesday, June 19, we should all make the time to celebrate and remember black history and heritage, just like they did in Galveston 153 years ago.
Jack Ayoub, Harlingen
