Few people know the names of Michelle Saahene and Melissa DePino, but millions are aware of their story’s beginnings. Five years ago, at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, the pair witnessed two African-American businessmen being taken away in handcuffs by police after asking to use the restroom. Saahene shouted, “They didn’t do anything!” Another customer recorded the confrontation, which was then shared by DePino who had consulted with Saahene.
This sparked a public relations nightmare for Starbucks and started a conversation about racism, police tactics, and public safety. The two women’s newfound fame soon brought them even more, as they capitalized on this opportunity to promote the awareness of racism, starting their own nonprofit providing sensitivity talks to corporations.
Unfortunately, the joint venture took a turn for the worse as tensions started to rise between the two. What was supposed to be a collaboration to combat racism ultimately highlighted this issue itself- simply put, Saahene, a Black woman at 36 years old, explained that “This is what happens when white women insert themselves into what should be Black-led organizations. White supremacy and emotional abuse get masked under kindness.” Similarly, for DePino, a 55-year-old white woman, this situation resulted in her being “canceled”.
Starbucks, a renowned American coffee company, has become well-known for its corporate responsibility initiatives, as well as its use of recycled and recyclable materials. In 2015, the company launched the Starbucks Race Together initiative, a program designed to help facilitate a more open dialogue between customers and staff members concerning race relations in America.
Michelle Saahene and Melissa DePino rose to prominence after video footage of two Black men being arrested at Starbucks went viral. Michelle is a 36-year-old Black woman and a witness to the incident. She gathered the nerve to voice her shock and anger that day and since has worked to promote awareness about racism. Melissa is a 55-year-old white woman who shared the video after consulting with Saahene. The video’s immense reach enabled DePino and Saahene to establish their nonprofit and launch them into lucrative careers.
