BLACK LIVES MATTER

We’re a small coffee shop with a humble support base in a east side neighborhood of San Diego. That does not diminish our responsibility in standing up in what we believe in.

Two weeks ago, I didn’t know what to say, or how to use our “platform” in the best way. But the fact is, we’re not just going to be able to post a week of BLM instagram posts, and then call it a day, err, week. Systemic racism runs rampant in this country, and has for the last four hundred years. We stand with Black Lives in the fight for justice and humanity, and we had to make that clear. However, this is a long fight, and one that we will participate in as long as we have to, on a much deeper level than before. For the sake of specifics, I wanted to break down some of the things we did, and are promising to continue to do.

We immediately decided to donate all profits from Thursday, 6/4 through Sunday, 6/7 to a Black led/focused organization. * to be updated with $ amount/org
We decided to raise a small donation from other businesses that will go directly to a Black led/focused organization, in our community. * to be updated with $ amount/org *
We decided to support peaceful protesting, offering free cafe drinks to anyone who was participating, on their honor. This is something that will continue for as long as it has to.
We gave the option to our staff to partake in whatever way they chose, no questions asked.

This obviously is not enough. In the coming months, we will adjust our business model to make space for more conversation, collaboration, and community building, in support of Black lives and people of color. We neighbor the most diverse community in San Diego, and there is simply no excuse for not being a stronger ally. We will continue to allow our employees to take part in collective action, whether it is planned weeks ahead, or the morning of, no questions asked. We will continue to amplify other voices, bringing good to light. And we will not shy from uncomfortable, messy conversations, moments of silence, or whatever else the movement at hand requires.

Friction drives progress. Keep going.

-Will Remsbottom