Effective today, Starbucks' quest to end racism through cup scripture and barista-to-customer banter is over.
According to the Associated Press, the questionable move to place "Race Together" on customers' cups will cease, but the chain still plans to continue its plan to unite:
The cups were always just the catalyst for a larger conversation and Starbucks will still hold forum discussions, co-produce special sections in USA TODAY and put more stores in minority communities as part of the Race Together initiative, the memo from CEO Howard Schultz said.
Furthermore, the Associated Press notes that Schultz said he was aware the campaign might be maligned: "While there has been criticism of the initiative — and I know this hasn't been easy for any of you — let me assure you that we didn't expect universal praise."
Changing the world isn't easy.
Starbucks #racetogether campaign just needs better questions like "what company did dwayne wayne have a summer internship at?"
— Desus Nice (@desusnice) March 22, 2015
[via Associated Press]