There are moments in business that transcend the ordinary, that remind us why we started this journey in the first place. In a landmark partnership that bridges education and enterprise, our team proudly hosted Xavier University of Louisiana's Enactus organization for their first Georgia pop-up event at our Black Coffee Atlanta headquarters. For me, this was one of those transcendent moments.
As a proud Xavier Alumnus myself, alongside my fellow CoFounders Leonard Lightfoot, Christopher Bolden, Gino Jones, and Branden Cole, watching these young entrepreneurs in action struck a deeply personal chord. The day became even more special when we took the Xavier students on a tour of our newest location at Morehouse College. Walking in to find middle school students deep in concentration over chess boards while sipping hot chocolate perfectly captured what we're building here – spaces where education, community, and commerce naturally intersect.
Our connection to HBCUs runs deep. Beyond our founding team's Xavier roots, our company's DNA is enriched by executives, senior leaders, and team members who are alumni or current students from institutions like Prairie View A&M, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and many others. This isn't just about building a business; it's about creating a legacy.
"Every successful business leader has a responsibility to nurture the soil where future entrepreneurs will grow," is something I firmly believe. When we opened our doors to these bright minds from Xavier, we weren't just hosting a pop-up – we were investing in the future of Black enterprise.
Our partnership with Xavier Enactus and Just Haiti Coffee exemplifies the power of purposeful business. Through this initiative, Haitian coffee farmers receive $3.19 for every 12oz bag sold, creating direct economic impact in their communities. Watching the Xavier students grasp the significance of this model under the guidance of Mark Quinn, Founder of the Xavier University of Louisiana Entrepreneurship Institute, reminded me of my own entrepreneurial journey.
We're not just serving coffee. We're serving as a blueprint for the next generation of business leaders. When these students see our thriving Black-owned business actively participating in global commerce while maintaining strong community ties – whether it's hosting chess clubs for middle schoolers or providing space for student entrepreneurs – it expands their vision of what's possible.
Seeing those Xavier students move from our headquarters to our Morehouse location, witnessing the full scope of what we've built while young chess players strategized nearby, was a powerful reminder of our mission. We're creating spaces where multiple generations can gather, learn, and grow together. From middle school students learning chess to college entrepreneurs planning their futures, our coffee shops are incubators for Black excellence.
This collaboration celebrates more than just business – it honors Haiti's legacy of independence while creating new pathways for economic empowerment. Through these initiatives, we continue to demonstrate how conscious entrepreneurship can create ripples of positive change across communities and generations.
Stay connected with us on Instagram @BlkCoffeeCo @BlackCoffeeAtlanta for updates on this inspiring partnership and future community initiatives. Together, we're brewing more than just coffee – we're brewing change.
- Jamin Butler
CEO, The Black Coffee Company
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