T.I. calls off boycott of Houston's; Lenox Road site closing
Posted Monday, March 5, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on Melissa Ruggieri's AJC Music Scene blog
Atlanta rap legend and actor T.I. has ended a boycott of Houston's restaurant chain after stories in October of alleged discrimination against black customers.
According to TMZ, he met with Houston's executives and hashed out a plan to help diversify its staff , train current staff and be more cognizant of potentially discriminatory behavior by employees.
He wrote on Instagram: "We are proud to have reached a mutual understanding and are excited about the new adjustments, which are: an amendment in policy (both in dress code and seating) an adoption of an ongoing diversity and inclusion program, a commitment to utilizing minority vendors and suppliers and continuing to demonstrate zero tolerance for any level of discrimination, discriminatory practices or any individual who demonstrates any of those actions."
Coincidentally or not, the specific Houston's location on Lenox Road that was the primary target of the boycott is shutting down March 31, according to Atlanta Eater.
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
