Activists are calling for a boycott of Charlotte-based CPI Security after CEO Ken Gill made racist comments in an email.
About 20 people joined a rally across the street from CPI headquarters in southwest Charlotte Monday afternoon. Jorge Millares of Queen City Unity organized the event. He and other speakers want CPI to let customers who are offended cancel their service without penalty. They also want the company to reform what Millares said are racially unjust policies at the company.
"Invest and support grass roots organizations that are doing work in the community for black and brown people," Millares said. He also wants the company to bring in these organizations to help make CPI an inclusive company.
If Gill doesn't act, Millares is calling on Gill to step down and divest his ownership of the company. Just before Monday's event, CPI posted two signs on its front fence saying "Black Lives Matter."
CPI had been a sponsor of Charlotte's pro sports teams. The Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Knights all cut ties with CPI after the incident.
Gill had apologized on social media, saying he realizes "the need for continued dialogue to help end racism within our community."
