DES MOINES, Iowa — Like the old saying goes: to whom much is given, much is expected.
For two well-known entrepreneurs in Des Moines, Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar, they haven't shied away from that.
Since 2018 when they founded BLK & Bold, the company has since grown into the largest Black-owned coffee brand in America. But the heart of what what they do and why hasn't changed.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the company launched a new arm of BLK & Bold to wake everyone up and spark more social change through the BLK & Bold Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Speaking to Local 5's Chenue Her, Johnson passionately described BLK & Bold's mission as a company.
You can pick up on how much he cares through his personality, which jumps at you when you walk into his office. Sitting down with Johnson, you get to know his heart. too.
"The business contributes 5% of its gross revenue to organizations that support youth in need," he explained.
When Johnson and Cezar founded BLK & Bold six years ago, it was about more than just coffee. It was about waking folks up to helping the youths in need around Iowa and the country.
"BLK & Bold isn't just a coffee and tea company, it's a social emprise that's ultimately a vehicle for consumers to give back to their communities by doing something they do everyday," Johnson said.
Through the newly-launched BLK & Bold Foundation, the company looks to make an even bigger impact on youth in need around the United States. The company aims to empower millions of youths through this initiative.
"We've been working on it since the inception of the business," Johnson said.
He said the business' mission aligns with what the nonprofit aims to do.
"The foundation is the manifestation of the social impact component that's embedded at the core of BLK & Bold. The foundation will own its own programming as well as provide other essential resources for youth across America, so while BLK & Bold has its 5% for our youth, the foundation will look to impact 5% of our youth," Johnson explained.
He said that tangible impact will come through resources such as workforce development programs, scholarships and mentorships.
"We are in an industry that is atypical for a lot of youth in need. I know prior to starting the BLK & Bold business, I didn't think of a career as owning a coffee roastery and I think we have a unique POV to share with youth in need to ultimately inspire them to see their full potential," he said.
For Johnson and Cezar, staying rooted in who they are is important.
"That social impact has always been a part of what we do, and that was from the jump," Johnson said.
And that drives them to be the change and be bold.
"It is extremely important for people to see people in their own backyards doing something that they otherwise have aspirations to do," Johnson said.
With the launch Tuesday, you can learn more about the BLK & Bold Foundation here and about initiatives like "Project 2045". There's also information about how you can get involved and lend a hand.