We Like Our Coffee: BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold Coffee is a 4-year-old company, based out of Des Moines, Iowa. Its co-founders Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar created BLK & Bold not only to be a high quality, Black-owned coffee brand, but to be a launching pad to help support their community. BLK & Bold contributes 5 percent of its profits to programs that support at-risk youth. Both Johnson and Cezar have shown themselves to be dedicated in giving aide to young people a priority. Retired NBA player, former president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, and businessman, Magic Johnson says, “when you are honest and open with young people, they let you in.”

BLK & Bold Coffee

Johnson and Cezar are originally from Gary, Indiana and have known each other for over 20 years. In the shadows of the former factory-rich city the two young, Black men have been able to put their heads together to build a successful business that serves the people and community that has sustained them. Now, BLK & Bold’s coffees and teas are available to the masses. In an interview with the Ben & Jerry’s Ice-cream Company, Rod Johnson describes his approach to the business and how he hopes it’s structure will influence other companies. “I'm not sure how familiar you are with Gary, Indiana, or its plight, but we were fortunate to overcome some of those circumstances. That’s why there’s a social impact mission embedded in the core of our business.” He continues, “it's a matter of us not forgetting where we come from and trying to build our business to serve as an example for other corporations that you should be investing in the people who were there for you.” Co-founder Pernell Cezar feels that the lack of community engagement when it comes to the economics of coffee has contributed to the lack of diversity and representation in the space. Coaching and mentoring is also a huge part of the BLK & Bold business plan. Cezar declares, “we have people pouring into us and that brings an even greater sense of accountability and how we pour it back into youth and our community. Ben and Jerry’s have partnered with BLK & Bold for their new, Limited Batch flavor called, Change is Brewing.

There are many ways to discover and support BLK & Bold, from their website, social media, and through the purchase of each type of coffee they roast. However, many Black business-owners feel that the Buy Black movements that have spread across the country in recent years, should be filled with more education surrounding its importance. The performative aspects of buying black by those outside of the community, does not get to the root of black economic issues. The role of businesses like BLK & Bold server, is to be purpose-driven, connecting with communities on a day-to-day level. Pernell describes the flaw that most investors make when leaving out that community investment. “If companies only build transactional relationships, people may enjoy and love their widget, but they won't have their hearts. And if you don't have their hearts, you can ultimately be replaced.” Because both BLK & Bold are B-corporations, allowed for the two companies to connect and support the most vulnerable and marginalized community in an economic way.

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