Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is taking a stand to promote social justice with Upstanders, a new original web series.
The coffee chain’s CEO Howard Schultz is looking to add a touch of inspiration to your caffeinated beverage with Upstanders, which consists of a number of episodes that each deal with different issues, taking on a number of subjects.
These web creations will include documentaries, podcasts and written stories. The first 10 releases will be rolled out Wednesday, including a story about a football player who gave up the NFL in order to help wounded veterans, as well as a former convict who works with youths to help the poor.
This move marks Starbucks’ first crossover into media to create original content for the masses. Schultz is known as a leader who uses his resources and influence to make a positive impact on communities, and he says the inspiration for Upstander stems from the injustices that have been hitting this country recently.
From the contentious political election, to race relations and violence related to cops, Schultz hopes that the web series will play a role in making relations within this country more diplomatic and just.
“The media and many other people have painted a picture of America being the place where so many acts of selfless kindness and innovative solutions have not been accomplished,” he wrote. “We said let’s go out and find ordinary people doing extraordinary things and let’s bring these stories to life.”
SBUX stock is up 0.7% Wednesday.
