Brewing a Robust Future: Harnessing Diversity and Equity in the Specialty Coffee Industry | 2023 Re:co Fellow Feature — Garry Johnson III
The specialty coffee industry thrives on the pursuit of excellence in taste, quality, and innovation.
2023 Re:co Fellow GARRY JOHNSON III, the Founder and CEO of BVP Coffee Co., sheds light on the significance of Black history, the value of diversity, the importance of equity, and the role of education in fostering inclusivity. Here, he explains how embracing diversity and pursuing equity can lead to a robust and sustainable future for the specialty coffee industry.
This Fellows seminar from Re:co Portland is supported by Fellows Program sponsor, Toddy. For over 50 years, Toddy brand cold brew systems have delighted baristas, food critics, and regular folks alike. By extracting all the natural and delicious flavors of coffee and tea, Toddy Cold Brew Systems turn your favorite coffee beans and tea leaves into fresh cold brew concentrates, that are ready to serve and enjoy. Learn more about Toddy at toddycafe.com.
However, it is crucial to recognize that coffee's historical roots are deeply intertwined with Black culture and its ongoing contributions. Coffee's journey began in Africa, where it was first cultivated. The enslavement and forced migration of Africans brought coffee to the Americas, shaping its early cultivation and production. Yet, this rich historical connection has been obscured and marginalized over time. Recognizing and celebrating coffee's Black heritage is a crucial step towards acknowledging the industry's origins and honoring the contributions of Black communities.
Coffee is Historically Black
Coffee's arrival in the Americas was intrinsically linked to the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans not only cultivated coffee but also possessed an extensive knowledge of its cultivation and processing techniques. Their expertise played a pivotal role in the development of the industry, from seed to cup. However, as the coffee industry expanded and prospered, the narratives of those who laid its foundation were often erased or dismissed. The stories of African coffee farmers and the labor of enslaved individuals were overlooked or undervalued, perpetuating an unjust hierarchy that still persists today.
Acknowledging coffee's Black heritage is not about dwelling on a painful past, but rather about reclaiming and amplifying voices that have been silenced. It is an opportunity to recognize the resilience, ingenuity, and contributions of Black coffee professionals throughout history. By understanding the interconnectedness of coffee and Black culture, we can forge a more inclusive and equitable future for the industry.
Moreover, celebrating coffee's Black heritage enables us to challenge existing power dynamics and confront systemic racism within the specialty coffee industry. It demands a critical examination of our practices and a commitment to dismantling barriers that limit opportunities for Black coffee professionals. By embracing diversity and promoting equity, we can foster an environment where talent and expertise are recognized, valued, and celebrated, irrespective of racial background.
In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who have come before us and inspire future generations of coffee enthusiasts and professionals. By acknowledging the historical contributions of Black communities, we can rewrite the narrative of the specialty coffee industry, ensuring that it is inclusive, representative, and just.
Recognizing coffee's Black heritage is not an act of tokenism or performative allyship. It is an ongoing commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry. By valuing the contributions and perspectives of Black coffee professionals, we can unlock the full potential of the specialty coffee community, creating a space where diverse voices are heard, respected, and empowered.
Coffee’s journey from Africa to the Americas is a testament to the intertwined history of the industry and Black communities. Recognizing and celebrating coffee's Black heritage is essential for acknowledging the origins of the industry and honoring the contributions of Black individuals. By embracing diversity, promoting equity, and challenging systemic injustices, we can build a specialty coffee industry that reflects the rich tapestry of its history and cultivates a robust, inclusive, and sustainable future.
In recent years, Black history has faced challenges and erasure in the United States. It is essential to confront this reality and actively resist the erasure of Black narratives. By highlighting the intertwined history of coffee and Black culture, the specialty coffee industry can actively participate in the broader movement of preserving and promoting Black history, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
Diversity as the Coffee Industry's Greatest Asset
Diversity encompasses more than racial representation alone: it encompasses various dimensions, such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and cultural perspectives. Embracing diversity in the specialty coffee industry brings a wealth of experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to the table. Diverse teams foster creativity, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the diverse communities we serve.
By embracing diverse perspectives, the specialty coffee industry can tap into a broader range of ideas, strategies, and approaches. Different genders bring unique insights and strengths to the table, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic workforce. Embracing individuals from various ethnic backgrounds promotes cultural exchange, enriching the industry with new flavors, brewing techniques, and traditions.
Socioeconomic diversity allows for a more inclusive representation of society, ensuring that individuals from different economic backgrounds have a voice and an opportunity to participate in the industry. It opens doors for talent that may otherwise be overlooked, fostering a more equitable and accessible specialty coffee community.
Cultural perspectives play a significant role in understanding and meeting the diverse needs of our global customer base. By embracing cultural diversity within the industry, we can create coffee experiences that resonate with and respect the unique preferences and traditions of various communities. This inclusive approach not only fosters customer loyalty but also generates opportunities for collaboration and learning across cultures.
Moreover, diverse teams have been proven to foster innovation and creativity. When individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives collaborate, they bring forth a multitude of ideas and approaches. This diversity of thought encourages problem-solving, drives innovation, and propels the specialty coffee industry forward.
However, embracing diversity is not enough; it must be accompanied by inclusion. Creating an inclusive environment means valuing and amplifying diverse voices, providing equal opportunities for growth and development, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported. It requires actively challenging biases, fostering open dialogue, and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation.
Equity as the Only Way Forward
While diversity is crucial, it is incomplete without equity. Equity focuses on addressing systemic disparities and ensuring fair access to resources, opportunities, and support. The specialty coffee industry must actively work towards dismantling barriers and creating an inclusive environment that allows individuals from all backgrounds to thrive. By promoting equity, we can build a more just and sustainable industry that truly represents and serves everyone involved.
Education plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in the specialty coffee industry. By providing accessible and comprehensive education programs, we can empower aspiring coffee professionals from diverse backgrounds. Collaborations with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can serve as a pathway for talent development, fostering a new generation of diverse coffee leaders.
The specialty coffee industry can further embrace diversity by actively seeking out and partnering with diverse suppliers. By incorporating unique products and experiences from different cultures, we enrich the industry and expand our offerings to a wider customer base. This approach fosters greater inclusivity and strengthens the relationships between coffee producers, suppliers, and consumers.
To create a robust future for the specialty coffee industry, it is imperative that we work together. Collaboration, dialogue, and collective action are essential to effect meaningful change. Industry stakeholders, including producers, roasters, baristas, and consumers, must come together to promote diversity, advocate for equity, and challenge systemic barriers.
A Lasting Impact
The specialty coffee industry has the power to honor its historical roots, foster diversity, promote equity, and create a truly inclusive environment. By embracing coffee's Black heritage, valuing diversity, pursuing equity, prioritizing education, and collaborating across the industry, we can brew a robust future. Let us recognize the interconnectedness of our past and present and work towards a specialty coffee industry that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our world.
In this pursuit, it is crucial to establish concrete action plans. Companies and organizations within the specialty coffee industry must implement diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that they are not mere buzzwords but integral parts of their values and operations. This includes actively recruiting and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, creating mentorship programs, and providing resources for professional development.
Additionally, fostering equitable trade practices is paramount. Coffee producers, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, should be paid fair prices for their labor and have access to the resources necessary for sustainable farming practices. Supporting and investing in these communities will lead to a more resilient and equitable supply chain.
Education remains a cornerstone of progress. Continued efforts to provide accessible and inclusive educational opportunities for aspiring coffee professionals will break down barriers and empower individuals from all backgrounds. Collaboration with HBCUs and other educational institutions will pave the way for a diverse talent pool that can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the industry.
To achieve lasting change, the specialty coffee community must come together. Open and honest conversations, both within individual organizations and through industry-wide platforms, are essential. Creating spaces for dialogue, sharing experiences, and addressing systemic issues will strengthen the community's collective understanding and commitment to inclusivity.
Ultimately, our vision of a robust future for the specialty coffee industry goes beyond profitability and market growth. It encompasses social justice, cultural appreciation, and the celebration of coffee's diverse heritage. By working together, we can create an industry that is not only sustainable and prosperous but also a force for positive change and inclusivity.
Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact, honoring the past, embracing the present, and brewing a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can find their place in the specialty coffee industry.
GARRY JOHNSON III is an award-winning entrepreneur working to build a more inclusive and equitable business ecosystem. He’s been recognized as a Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 Honoree and StartupAfrica Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, among other accolades. Garry is also the Founder & CEO of BVP Coffee Co. which brings diverse communities together through stories of global travel, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. In its mission to invest in the next generation, BVP donates US$1 from each bag sold to support business students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
About the 2023 Re:co Fellowship Program
Over the past 15 years, we’ve watched Re:co repeatedly create a vibrant network of emerging and existing leadership within the specialty coffee industry during its brief emergence every year. This year’s Re:co Symposium Fellowship, evolved in keeping with changes made to the structure and intentionality of this year’s programming, is designed to highlight individuals working to address the challenges and opportunities of specialty coffee’s emerging future and who wish to develop their leadership capabilities in the sector in order to further this work.
Thanks in part to the generous support of the 2023 Re:co Fellowship sponsor, Toddy LLC, we awarded eight fellowships to qualified applicants, which covered the registration fee of Re:co Symposium and the Specialty Coffee Expo; three nights of accommodation in Portland, Oregon; and up to US$500 of a fellows’ travel expenses.