Written by: Erica Justice & Dee Rosa with Color of Coffee

Photo Credit: Dee Rosa

Accessibility for all.

In 2022, The Color of Coffee Collective and Koffee with Keith ventured to create an inclusive event that would make education and trade secrets of the specialty coffee industry available to anyone and everyone. From consumer to connoisseur a space was created that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry that has historically been everything, but that. The vision was simple: give those who would otherwise not be given the opportunity to succeed a real opportunity to succeed.

Classes and hands-on education from seed to cup are made available and taught by people from communities as diverse  as coffee is itself; not in an effort to display tolerance as a marketing tool but to allow those in attendance to see themselves represented. From green purchasing, roasting, finances, brewing, behind-bar-ettiquete and opportunities to network with individuals from companies who would otherwise feel out of reach - something new was being done and introducing a different, more diverse group of people to the coffee world.

In 2023, The Color of Coffee Collective and Koffee with Keith held their second annual Coffee Symposium; it was bigger, better, and just the beginning. A barista throwdown at Segundo Coffee Labs on day one began the festivities with the winner taking home $1,250 (as well as cash prizes for the first and second runner up) that had over 30 contestants throw their hat in the ring for the title. The second day consisted of education where information that had historically been gatekept from individuals in the room were being shared to all who would listen. Panels highlighting women in coffee, diversity, and farmers rounded out the day and gave many in attendance insight, affirmation and encouragement to help them navigate their personal journey through coffee. The final day consisted of a large networking event at Doshi House in Houston’s Third Ward to be able to solidify connections and further expand their reach by creating relationships with other vendors and companies in attendance. These events were not without the help of gracious sponsors, such as Torani, who donated supplies and monies to fulfill these affairs. 

If your assumption is that this is just another overnight movement - you’d be wrong; and as they prepare for their next Coffee Symposium in 2024 they welcome the doubt with an invitation to experience a better world of coffee with them.

What is the Color of Coffee Collective?

The Color of Coffee Collective is a group of individuals from different cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. It  was created to challenge the specialty coffee industry to make equitable changes at every facet of the coffee supply chain. They believe change is achieved through listening, educating, and implementing a plan of action based on community needs. Their educational structure serves as a guide and call to accountability in the specialty coffee industry. Their constant efforts to empower marginalized communities take them all over the United States from shop to shop and roastery to roastery teaching about diversity, equity, and inclusion through the vehicle of coffee.

What is Koffee With Keith?

Koffee with Keith is our built-in Nonprofit component of The Color of Coffee Collective. Through Koffee with Keith, we actively educate youth in disenfranchised communities on the specialty coffee industry, provide training and connect them to jobs in the industry. Koffee with Keith was founded by Keith Hawkins: a U.S. Army veteran who has over 24 years of experience in the coffee industry with the goal of teaching students crucial skills for lasting success in any role within the industry.

Learn more about the Color of Coffee: https://www.colorofcoffeecollective.com/