Our friends and partners at BLK & Bold have built a powerful brand behind a simple concept: daily rituals with social impacts. Co-founders Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, lifetime friends and coffee fanatics, pour into a company model that takes delicious coffee and uses it to provide for and shape the future through children across America.

How it began:

Pernell and Rod are lifelong friends, having grown up across the street from each other in Indiana. After years of conversation over casual cups of coffee, the epiphany struck to leverage their favorite beverage for the causes they believe in. BLK & Bold was born from a tabletop coffee roaster and a rudimentary website. As this disruptive brand evolved, its cornerstone remained the same — supporting at-risk youth in underserved communities. BLK & Bold pledges to support non-profit organizations across America that equip children with the confidence, exposure, and guidance to manifest their potential.

 

5% For Our Youth

“We feel an obligation to equip young people with tools to live their best lives and overcome familiar unfortunate circumstances by turning a daily ritual, enjoying a cup of coffee & tea, into a means of giving back.”

The 5% For Our Youth program supports 13 non-profit organizations nationwide, providing general support and unique operations to uplift traditionally underserved youth.

BLK & Bold’s pledge partners

 

Cloud 9 Community Farms

Philadelphia, PA

Cloud 9 operated, Urbanstead of Francisville Village in Philadelphia, uses urban farming programs to educate and develop skills through internships with youth and young adults.

 

Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project

Oakland, CA

Founded and led by the community it serves, ANV engages and educates young people on nutrition, food production, and healthy living through urban farming.

 

City Growers

New York, NY

City Growers uses urban rooftop farming to provide experiential learning to thousands of kids each year, teaching environmental and food literacy and cultivating curiosity.

 

Code Fever Miami

Miami, FL

Code Fever Miami offers opportunities and resources to the Black community, reshaping how it engages and contributes to the innovation sector.

 

Compudopt

Houston, TX

Compudopt provides computers, technology education, and internet connectivity solutions to kids and families who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

 

Greening Youth Foundation

Atlanta, GA

GYF connects under-represented youth and young adults to the outdoors through conservation and cultural-based environmental education programs to create an overall healthier community.

 

Juxtaposition

Minneapolis, MN

Juxtaposition mentors young North Minneapolis artists with industry-leading professionals to inspire and foster creativity in future generations.

 

LA Conservation Corps

Los Angeles, CA

The LA Conservation Corps is an environmentally focused youth development non-profit organization providing programs and educational programs designed around conservation and service projects.

 

Sunset Youth Services

San Francisco, CA

Sunset Youth Services fosters long-term stability and growth in at-risk communities through caring relationships and supportive services.

 

Urban Growers Collective

Chicago, IL

Working closely with community partners, UGC leads communities in developing community-based food systems where food is grown, prepared, and distributed locally.

 

Youth Guidance

Chicago, IL

Youth Guidance, through a presence in elementary and high schools, carefully guides and enables students to realize their full potential.

 

By Degrees Foundation

Des Moines, IA

By Degrees partners with schools to increase graduation rates with extensive future-focused planning and saving.

 

Kid Power

Washington, D.C.

Kid Power promotes academic advancement, physical and emotional wellness, and positive civic engagement in underserved communities to inspire youth leadership.

 

Want to support these initiatives and enjoy top-shelf coffee in your workplace? Get started today!