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Historic Noir Coffee Group: Three Men and a Dream

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Sixty-four percent of Americans have at least one cup of coffee a day. Of those surveyed (3000 people), 79 percent said they made coffee at home and 36 percent said they drink coffee at retail locations. According to Food & Wine, Americans spend more money on coffee each year than any other country. The average American spends $1,110 on coffee each year contributing to a $20 billion-dollar industry here in the states.

Published

7 years ago

March 27, 2019

Oakland Post

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. , NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

Historic Noir Coffee Group is coming to a grocery store near you. The brain child of Ricardo Richardson and his collaborators Deron Moreman and Christopher Brown, the three childhood friends got together to form The Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC and launch Historic Noir Coffee Group in flavors that reflect the neighborhoods they grew up in as children in Atlanta.

Childhood Friends and Historic Noir Coffee Group owners Christopher Brown (l), Deron Moreman (c) and Ricardo Richardson (r) are interviewed by CBS 46’s Trayce Hutchinson. (Photo Credit: Christopher Brown)

There is Fourth Ward blend where Ricardo, the founder and CEO of the company, grew up, West End blend where Deron, the Vice-President of Sales, grew up and the Decatur blend, where Christopher Brown, President of Marketing and Distribution, grew up.

Brown explains Richardson introduced the idea to Moreman and Brown, initially wanting to supply high quality coffee at a reasonable price to various business and government entities. Working with a supplier in Senegal and wanting to grow the business and make a mark in an industry where there isn’t a lot of minority representation, Richardson approached his childhood friends with his idea. Thinking about his idea, the market and timing, Moreman and Brown signed on and the rest is history, or Historic Noir Coffee, LLC if you will.

If you’re wondering, “Why coffee?” of all of the businesses they could have started, Brown is very clear. “Gold, oil and coffee are at the top of the stock market at any given time,” says Brown. “Coffee is so profitable McDonald’s built a number of offerings around it and Dunkin Donuts changed it’s name to focus on coffee because it has a higher profit margin,” he adds.

Coffee is great business according to a 2018 report released by the National Coffee Association, which provides research data on U.S. coffee consumption through its annual National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) survey.

Sixty-four percent of Americans have at least one cup of coffee a day. Of those surveyed (3000 people), 79 percent said they made coffee at home and 36 percent said they drink coffee at retail locations. According to Food & Wine, Americans spend more money on coffee each year than any other country. The average American spends $1,110 on coffee each year contributing to a $20 billion-dollar industry here in the states.

Even though coffee is a billion-dollar industry in the United States and is literally the crown jewel of many African, Caribbean and South American countries (Ethiopia, Jamaica, Brazil), very few African-Americans participate in supplying and distributing coffee.

There are a number of reasons for this problem, from issues around consumption (coffee will make you black) to challenges around access to resources stemming from slavery and hundreds of years of being economically disenfranchised.

In the article, “Strong Black Coffee: Why Aren’t African-Americans More Prominent in the Coffee Industry,” Phyllis Johnson, President of BD imports discusses the myriad of reasons you don’t find many black people in the coffee industry.

Historic Noir Coffee Group Blends (Photo Credit: Christopher Brown)

African-Americans choose coffee less due to stigma’s surrounding coffee’s impact on other health issues. Despite the fact that coffee is shown to have a positive impact on diseases like cancer, diabetes, stroke and heart disease, many still believe coffee is bad for your health.

Johnson states, “The NCDT consistently shows that, in comparison to other ethnic groups, African-Americans are less likely to choose coffee as a preferred beverage.” She believes there is a direct correlation between less consumption and less representation in the industry in other areas like distribution.

Johnson adds, “The absence of African-Americans attending coffee industry conferences, serving on boards and working in coffee in general goes hand in hand with lower levels of consumption. While targeted marketing programs may improve consumption, I believe employment and education will provide a greater return on investment. Greater engagement from African-Americans throughout the industry will provide more ideas and new ways to overcome challenges.”

Johnson’s research and observations about the coffee industry speak to Richardson’s desire to enter an industry that was viable and needed African-American suppliers and distributors. As luck would have it, a streak of seemingly bad luck yet great timing led the friends to take a shot at this opportunity.

In 2008, Ricardo and Deron had been laid off from their prior places of employment. Christopher took an early retirement and was involved in several entrepreneurial pursuits. After eight years of George W. Bush’s economic policies, the U.S. economy was depressed. Despite these precarious times, the three friends decided to take a shot, building on their faith (they grew up going to church together), ability to work as a team (they grew up playing sports together) and prior professional experiences.

Deron had previously worked for a company that sold water and coffee. He had the knowledge and organizational skills. Christopher had a pilot’s license and retired from working as an airplane mechanic, so he knew the travel industry. Ricardo had the vision and foundation in place. Eleven years later, the friends have built a supplier and distribution coffee business that is influenced, informed and run by people of African descent, which is where coffee originated. Talk about a full-circle moment on multiple fronts.

Brown says their success was in the cards. “We were crazy enough to believe we could do it. We saw the vision knew it would work,” he adds. They set off on their journey, educating themselves along the way and making sure they were building a viable business. “One of the most important things to us was taking the time to get it right,” says Brown. “We took time to get infrastructure, licensing, insurance – pretty much everything that was needed to build a viable company and made sure it was in place before we really got into supply and distribution.”

They tested theories and strategies and processes, analyzing, making necessary changes and continuing to move forward. When listening to Brown speak about the different types of beans and how they work together, one might think he’s a scientist with his vivid descriptions and ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way.

Historic Noir Coffee is now sold under different labels (Rosie’s Coffee) and can be found in grocery store chains like Sprouts and their online business is robust, with customers all over the world.

Brown is proud of their success and says one of their company goals is to give back to the community, so they do a lot of work with various charitable organizations. In fact, recognizing that most coffee is sourced and created from the labor of people of African descent, they developed the following mission:

Respect the coffee grower community, the environment and the customer. Conducting our business with honest practices and in an ethical manner is paramount.

The mission of Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC dovetails with their vision, which is to develop strong relationships with their suppliers and to partner with the top importers and roasters based in the U.S., therefore providing the highest quality coffee products. To ensure this level of integrity, they made it policy to partner with “Fair Trade” coffee importers who are committed to respecting humanity and the environment.

Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC is a company created and run by three black childhood friends from Atlanta, who care about the local and global community and ensuring that African-Americans get an opportunity to participate in a coffee industry that is truly a natural fit. Later this year, their coffee, which is currently whole bean, will be available in K-Pods and ground coffee.

When asked what’s next, Brown simply states, “Making sure we maintain the quality of our product, operate with high professional and ethical standards, and continue to grow while helping our community.”

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., entertainment and culture editor for Black Press USA. She is also founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire which covers news of the African Diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.

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LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The release follows a shutdown that stretched 43 days and pushed agencies across the country to warn families of possible disruptions.

State officials in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania had already issued alerts that the delay could slow the processing of applications or force families to wait until December for help. In Pennsylvania, more than 300,000 households depend on the program each year. Minnesota officials noted that older adults, young children, and people with disabilities face the highest risk as temperatures fall.

The delay also raised concerns among advocates who track household debt tied to rising utility costs. National Energy Assistance Directors Association Executive Director Mark Wolfe said the funds were “essential and long overdue” and added that high arrearages and increased energy prices have strained families seeking help.

Some states faced additional pressure when other services were affected by the shutdown. According to data reviewed by national energy advocates, roughly 68 percent of LIHEAP households also receive nutrition assistance, and the freeze in multiple programs increased the financial burden on low-income residents. Wolfe said families were placed in “an even more precarious situation than usual” as the shutdown stretched into November.

In Maryland, lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release funds after the state recorded its first cold-related death of the season. The Maryland Department of Health reported that a man in his 30s was found outdoors in Frederick County when temperatures dropped. Last winter, the state documented 75 cold-related deaths, the highest number in five years. Rep Kweisi Mfume joined more than 100 House members calling for immediate federal action and said LIHEAP “is not a luxury” for the 100,000 Maryland households that rely on it. He added that seniors and veterans would be placed at risk if the program remained stalled.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore used $10.1 million in state funds to keep benefits moving, but noted that states cannot routinely replace federal dollars. His administration said families that rely on medical equipment requiring electricity are particularly vulnerable.

The District of Columbia has already mapped out its FY26 LIHEAP structure in documents filed with the federal government. The District’s plan shows that heating assistance, cooling assistance, weatherization, and year-round crisis assistance operate from October 1 through September 30. The District allocates 50 percent of its LIHEAP funds to heating assistance, 10 percent to cooling, 13 percent to year-round crisis assistance, 15 percent to weatherization, and 10 percent to administrative costs. Two percent is used for services that help residents reduce energy needs, including education on reading utility bills and identifying energy waste.

The District’s plan lists a minimum LIHEAP benefit of $200 and a maximum of $1,800 for both heating and cooling assistance. Crisis benefits are provided separately and may reach up to $500 when needed to resolve an emergency. The plan states that a household is considered in crisis if it has been disconnected from energy service, if heating oil is at 5 percent or less of capacity, or if the household has at least $200 owed after the regular benefit is applied.

The District’s filing notes that LIHEAP staff conduct outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, social media, posters, and mass mailings. The plan confirms that LIHEAP applicants can apply in person, by mail, by email, or through a mobile-friendly online application and that physically disabled residents may request in-home visits.

As agencies nationwide begin distributing the newly released funds, states continue working through large volumes of applications. Wolfe said LIHEAP administrators “have been notified that the award letters have gone out and the states can begin to draw down the funds.”

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Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think: They lay the foundation for some of life’s most important skills.

Through everyday play, young children begin learning essential social and emotional skills like sharing, resolving conflicts, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These social skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. Socialization in early childhood isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for development.

Yet today, many young children who haven’t yet started school aren’t getting enough consistent, meaningful interaction with peers. Research shows that there’s a decline in active free play and peer socialization when compared to previous generations.

There are many reasons for this. Children who are home with a parent during the day may spend most of their time with adults, limiting opportunities for peer play. Those in daycare or preschool may have restricted free play, and large classrooms can reduce supervision and social coaching. Some children live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, have full schedules, or rely on screens to fill their playtime. And for some families, finding other families with young children to connect with isn’t easy.

While these challenges can feel significant, opportunities for connection still exist in every community. Families can take simple steps to help children build friendships, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen social skills. Here are some ideas to get started:

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores

Some of these community activities are free or low-cost and give kids the chance to build friendships and practice social skills. Parents can also model positive social behavior by interacting with other parents and encouraging their children to play with their peers.

These may seem like small moments of connection, but they can have a powerful impact. Every time your child shares a toy, plays make-believe with peers, or races a friend down the slide, they’re not just playing—they’re learning the skills that build confidence, empathy, and lasting friendships. And it’s good for you, too. Creating intentional opportunities for play also helps you strengthen your own network of parents who can support one another as your children grow together.

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Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores