NAACP Calls for Boycott of &pizza Dessert

The NAACP's Washington, D.C. branch is urging &pizza to remove its 'Marion Berry Knots' dessert from the menu, citing cultural insensitivity and harmful drug-related imagery. The dessert, advertised with a photo resembling cocaine and phrases like 'These knots will blow you away,' has sparked outrage from local leaders and activists who believe it disrespects the legacy of former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. Councilmember Robert White and others have called for a boycott of the restaurant, highlighting Barry's contributions to the community despite his past struggles with addiction. &pizza's CEO Mike Burns defended the item, stating it references the marionberry fruit rather than the former mayor. Critics, including Barry's widow, have labeled the promotion as racist and disrespectful. The controversy has intensified as it approaches the 10th anniversary of Barry's death.