Rapper T.I. Leads Protest Against Houston’s Restaurant, Alleging Racial Profiling and Discrimination
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. recently led a huge protest against the national steakhouse chain Houston’s following claims that the restaurant discriminates against African American patrons. The protest was ignited after Love and Hip Hop stars Deb Antney and Momma Dee, and actress Ernestine Johnson, stated that the high-profile restaurant refused to serve their large groups, treating them like second-class citizens.
On Saturday (October 7), Tip made the announcement of the protest on his Instagram. “Ok so I’ve heard 4 different stories from 4 different sources about discrimination against US at 2 separate Houstons Steakhouse locations in my city. Tomorrow we get answers.”
Following the announcement, a large group of protesters, including Tip, Deb Antney, Ernestine Johnson, Love and Hip Hop star Yandy Smith, and Tiny Harris, descended upon the Houston’s location on Lenox Road in Buckhead – toting signs and chanting, “No Justice No Peace!” and “Shut it down!” making their presence known.
Following the claims of discrimination, other stars including Rick Ross, Toya Wright, and Killa Mike joined the boycott– using the hashtag #BoycottHoustons. The “Reagan” rapper called on local entertainers to join the protest and support black businesses. “Houston’s is a restaurant that is supported by the black dollar in Atlanta and supported by the entertainment dollar especially. I just call on entertainers and other members of Atlanta who are for justice and right –black or white- black in Atlanta in particular,” he said in an Instagram video. “Not only to boycott Houston’s, but find a black restaurant to support or one that treats your community well.”
After the string of protests, Houston’s issued a statement on its Instagram page that has since been deleted. The statement read:
“We have employed a diverse, hard-working staff serving Atlanta’s similarly diverse clientele for many years. Charges of discrimination are not only unfounded but are an intentional manipulation using social media. Our policies and guidelines apply equally to everyone. Our restaurants are not set up to accommodate large groups, with only a limited number of tables that can accommodate large parties together. Our Houston’s in Atlanta recently instituted a policy whereby large parties of 7 or more will not be split into separate groups at different tables, which means that larger groups may not be able to dine with us at certain times. We decided to close our Lenox Houston’s today from the anticipation of protests and threats made against the restaurant and staff members. We will always choose the side of caution when it comes to protecting our valued staff and guests.”
Photo Credit: Houston’s/Facebook
