I was walking through New York’s Astor Place a couple of hours ago and I came across a large protest that was being broken up the NYPD at Tony Rosenthal’s spinning “Alamo” cube sculpture. It turns out that right before I arrived, Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping had
The protest had to do with Starbucks’ opposition to Eithopia’s plan to trademark several types of coffee, including Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe.
Here’s the protest announcement from Reverend Billy’s website:
Let’s dance and exorcise some cash registers! Confront Starbucks for stealing the trademarks of Ethiopia’s ancient coffees, like Sidamo and Harar. Honor the destitute farmers by defeating the $4 latte!
UPDATE 1: Eric H. Brown has great some photos of the protest, including one of Reverend Billing being arrested.
UPDATE 2: Adam Pantozzi has some more photos of the Reverend Billy protest.
UPDATE 3: Jen Chung has more coverage of this story over at Gothamist.
UPDATE 4: Here’s a write-up and video from Reverend Billy’s website.
Another video has been posted to YouTube.
UPDATE 5: Reverend Billy returned to the Starbucks on Sunday, February 11th and was re-arrested after attempting to exorcise the Starbucks by performing a “laying on of hands” on the building.
Related Posts:
- Reverend Billy Arrested for Performing Exorcism on Starbucks
- Reverend Billy Arrested While Reciting The First Amendment
- What Would Jesus Buy? Reverend Billy Film at SF Docfest
- Reverend Billy and Chicken John in Conversation
- Reverend Billy Is Running For Mayor of New York City
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Thank you !! for showing this Reverend Billy & the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir action at the Starbucks on Astor Place yesterday. So easy to get thru the day enjoying lattes and rides in the SUV and and and….
Thanks for posting this…LOVE HIM!
When he comes to town…you gotta see the show…amazing!