Pioneering efforts to foster inclusivity and equity within the coffee sector were recently recognized at an impactful event. The Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) hosted its annual First Sip gathering, coinciding with the 2025 SCA Expo in Houston. This occasion highlighted the contributions of Black professionals striving to redefine and enrich the coffee industry through innovation and dedication.

Innovative leaders from across the United States were celebrated for their transformative work. Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar, co-founders of BLK & Bold, were honored with the Excellence in Coffee Leadership Award. Their Iowa-based company has not only achieved national distribution as a Black-owned brand but also prioritizes social responsibility by donating a portion of its profits to support underserved youth. Meanwhile, Keith Hawkins, founder of the Color of Coffee Collective, was acknowledged with the Local Hero Award. Over two decades, he has championed diversity and inclusion within the coffee community in Houston. Similarly, Martell Mason, who leads the Sepia Coffee Project in Metro Detroit, received the Emerging Voices in Coffee Award. His mission focuses on making premium coffee accessible to marginalized communities while cultivating a more inclusive coffee culture.

Through collaboration and vision, these individuals exemplify how passion can drive meaningful change. Phyllis Johnson, the founder and president of CCRE, emphasized that the First Sip event serves as a platform to uplift peers, honor contributors, and inspire future advancements in the industry. Since its establishment in 2020, the CCRE has been instrumental in addressing systemic inequities within the coffee world. With plans underway for a new leadership development initiative, the organization continues to pave the way for progress. These achievements underscore the importance of fostering diverse voices and perspectives to create a more equitable and prosperous coffee landscape worldwide.