This is a pivotal moment in the American fight for civil rights. Last week, we published a list of Black-owned coffee companies folks can support along with organizations and causes both local and national that are worth championing right now.
This week we’re compiling a list of Black-owned coffee companies raising money for organizations, non-profits, and for projects both in and outside the specialty coffee community. Please boost these causes, and if you are able, consider donating to them. This list is updating.
Portrait Coffee — Atlanta, Georgia
On Tuesday, June 9th, Portrait Coffee will be teaming up with Atlanta’s Chrome Yellow Trading Co. for a pop-up benefit event. Taking place between 7:00am and 5:00pm at Chrome Yellow’s Edgewood Ave space, proceeds from the pop-up will go to Peace Preparatory Academy.
Seeds Coffee — Birmingham, Alabama
In Birmingham, Seeds Coffee is looking to grow their coffee community by helping raise funds for The Modern House. For all of this month, 100% of the profits from Seeds’ subscription service will go to helping The Modern House open their first-ever storefront, in Birmingham’s Titusville neighborhood. Seeds has also provided a link to donate directly for anyone interested in giving a little extra in support of The Modern House.
On The Go Jo — Chicago, Illinois
Already an established brand operating primarily in the coffee catering sphere for large events like weddings and corporate gatherings, On The Go Jo is looking to increase their scope by going directly to the consumer with a retail line of coffee. But this requires capital. So OTGJ has started a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of raising $5,000. In the four short days since starting the fundraiser, OTGJ is less than $800 of reaching their goal. Those looking to help can donate directly to the campaign or help by sharing the GoFundMe page with their social networks.
Cxffeeblack — Memphis, Tennessee
If you are a frequent consumer of Sprudge media, then you have no doubt already aware of Cxffeeblack from the above shirt, or from their Guji Mane coffee offering (which is a very good pun that I am jealous of). But what you may not know is that sales of the Love Black People Like You Love Black Cxffee shirt go to supporting Black Lives Matter Memphis. Still in pre-order, a portion of all the sales will go to the bail bond fund created by the organization to assist those arrested protesting police brutality and the murder of George Floyd.
Dope Coffee — Atlanta, Georgia
It’s like Ian Williams of Deadstock Coffee says, “Coffee should be dope.” But maybe so should beard oil? Atlanta’s Dope Coffee certainly thinks so, and to that end, they are donating $1 from every bottle of their Beard & Scalp Serum to the Black Lives Matter movement. The donations will be in perpetuity as well as retroactive back to January 1st, meaning if you purchased a bottle in 2020, it will be counted toward the donation. But just in case, maybe grab a second one.
Sip & Sonder — Inglewood, California
Even as the weeks have brought the world’s focus onto the fight for civil rights, there remains a pandemic still very much raging. In an effort to help out essential workers, Sip & Sonder has launched their Brewing For Good campaign, whereby folks can donate money to provide coffee and pastries to frontline hospital staff. Folks can donate directly via the GoFundMe page or, if you have a business looking to pitch in, you can take part in the Matching Gift program, where you pledge to match at a ratio of your choosing donations made by guests and/or staff.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.