Monday morning. Sitting here looking at my computer screen. So much has happened since we last posted on social media way back on Friday afternoon. Along with that I had left the city center of Portland where I live to get away with my wife for our anniversary. That was planned long before what transpired over the past weekend. Even though the events that unfolded for the world to see happened while we were away in rural Oregon I couldn’t help but follow along to see what was happening across the U.S. and in my own city.
One by one respected leaders and brands posted statements on social media addressing their stance on this great unrest we’re experiencing as a country. It was encouraging to see. It’s the realization that this is all much bigger than basketball, shoes, bikes, or coffee. Then my next thought or question was, “Does Loam Coffee need a statement?” Immediately I dismissed it. Besides, who are we? We’re but a tiny brand. It’s not like we hold any sway. But then I started thinking about people. People I know and love …
I’ve shared before, but on top of running Loam Coffee I also teach in the university classroom. Not only that, but the school I teach at is where roughly 70% of our students are people of color. African American, Hispanic, African, Asian, Pacific Islander, and more. I also teach subjects where we address race which means I’m in the midst of conversations related to racism, identity, gentrification, intercultural communication, and so much more. This fall I’ll again teach a course called Bicycles, Equity, and Race: Urban Mobility in Portland. I think of all of the conversations we’ve had in class, the tears, and the heart-wrenching stories of students on the receiving end of the blunt force trauma called racism.
Then my mind and heart goes to the Loam Coffee family … those who follow along, interact, buy coffee, and engage with us on social media. Since I know and track the analytics and see the data you may be surprised to hear that the majority of people who’re following Loam Coffee are people of color. Not only that but you live in countries like Mexico, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Turkey, Ethiopia, Thailand, Costa Rica, and more. What this weekend has also revealed is that police brutality against an unarmed black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota has sent ripple effects around the world. We’re all connected. We’re family.
I’m not Michael Jordan. We don’t have the global reach and power of Nike. But we care. Care deeply. Racism has no place in coffee, mountain biking, or in this world. As one who has taught urban history courses I know the all too common storyline of racism in the U.S. and how it has played out in our cities. It’s painful to look at it historically and even more so to see how it continues to plague our cities today not just the U.S., but all over the world. While mountain biking is viewed as a “rural” pastime, sport, lifestyle, or hobby the truth is the majority of us live in cities great and small.
What does this mean for Loam Coffee? We stand with the black community. We stand with people of color who’re unjustly treated because of the color of your skin. We love you.
Words and Photo by Sean Benesh
Founder of Loam Coffee