Decolonize the bean.

I was in high school when I began going to coffee shops to do my school work. I had privilege. I had a car, college dreams, and scholarships to write. I’d drive my corolla to the Highlands and sat in Heine Bros focused, finally experiencing peace. I still remember the cute aesthetic pic I took then - no one bothered or disturbed me. I’m grateful my first experiences were easeful. I felt good to just be there. Not knowing the history, the direct extractive and exploitative systems have created to keep me out. 

Until years later (2015), I didn’t realize I could be behind the bar curating the experience for people as a Barista.

Until years later (2017), I didn’t realize where the coffee bean and plant came from until I held one myself.

Until years later (2020), I didn’t realize that I could be in front of the roaster machine, actually roasting the beans from the plant I held, and loved to drink.

Until years later (2022), as full time community researcher — I didn’t know there was a place for me in the specialty coffee industry.

This is where research, community,  Blackness, and deep love for the people collide. 

Decolonize the bean. And watch the diaspora bloom. 

Read more in my Op-Ed with Courier Journal.

Follow @blackloucoffee! 

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