Rashon Nelson
Rashon Nelson
Video that has been shared by Melissa Depino who video recorded the moments when Rashon Nelson and another man were arrested at Starbucks for not buying an item.
Rashon K. Nelson is an African American lives of Philadelphia that was arrested at a Starbucks for allegedly seeming suspicious after not purchasing any items inside of the store. [1] The arrest erupted a rally in the city of Philadelphia by local citizens who took occupation inside of the Starbucks where the incident took place as a protest against the company's racist principles.
Personal Life
Rashon Nelson is a native of the state of Pennsylvania and has lived there for most of his life. He has lived in the city of Bloomsburg and currently lives in Philadelphia. He is an alum of John Bartram High School where he also worked as the office assistant in his senior year. [1]
Education
Selfie of Rashon Nelson that has been shared on his Facebook page.
He graduated in 2017. [1]
Career
Nelson has held several job positions throughout his life and currently works as the Warehouse worker for Amazon. [1]
In The Media
Starbucks Arrest
Report from CBS about the protest from people who believe that Rashon Nelson was wrongfully arrested.
On April 12th, 2018, while Nelson and his business partner were having a meeting inside of Starbucks, the cops entered the store and arrested both men. Nelson and his friend sat inside of the store without having had bought an item. The manager of the store, Holly Hylton made the call as she was told it was the standard proceeder set by Starbucks.
The cops arrested the Nelson and his friend for trespassing.
The police later released the men and without charges.
Response
Social Media
Image of the statement that was left by Antonio F. Knox, Sr.
Backlash began on Social Media after the video of Nelson and his friend being arrested made the rounds through different social media platforms.
The episode inside of Starbucks led to people believe that it was an act of discrimination and racism.
People took to the streets of Philadelphia and decided to occupy the store in which the arrest took place.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Nelson's fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, from college took to the media to express their take on the incident.
The Grand Basileus of the Fraternity, Antonio F. Knox, Sr., gave the following written statement :
"Giving Honor to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The times that we are living in continue to unveil the bold and dark side of racism through the lens of ready cameras of witnesses that record the injustices that are reported daily.
The latest incident on the news around the world touched our Omega family as one of the young en arrested at the Starbucks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is an Omega Man and remarkable example of resilient courage in the face of undeserved fire.
I thank God for his sense of presence and calm because the encounter with police officers could have been very different.
While we won’t yet releases names, please know that this Basileus and Chapter Brothers have been in touch.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”
Brothers, I say to you fifty-five years later that now is the Time!
This was very clearly racial injustice but maybe this case will be the catalyst to create the positive change that we seek.
When people of all diversities, ethnicities and cultures stand to speak out, the world takes notice.
There were others in Starbucks that boldly stood up to speak against the actions taken by police and management.
The CEO of Starbucks has made a public apology and I applaud his sincerity but the change within his company must include the training of management and employees on the correct procedures to embrace and understand diversity and continuously act accordingly.
This will determine if Starbucks gets this right.
My Brothers, let’s continue to lift as we climb to show this world how good it will be when we all turn to the solid rock of brotherhood and mankind!
WE ARE ONE!"