Black consumers wield a staggering $1.7 trillion in buying power, yet much of that money doesn’t have enough staying power within the Black community.
Meanwhile, major corporations that once pledged to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are now quietly rolling back those commitments.
Companies have cut DEI programs, citing political backlash and economic pressures leading to cost-cutting. These decisions depend on how businesses balance social responsibility with shareholder and consumer interests.
Black professionals have faced layoffs in roles created to advance equity, and Black-owned businesses—many of which benefited from corporate partnerships—are left navigating an even tougher economic landscape. The financial disparities that existed before DEI initiatives are widening again.
So, what can we do? We can take control of our dollars and intentionally support Black businesses. Economic equity is a critical part of social justice, and one of the easiest ways to uplift ourselves is by buying Black—not just during Black History Month but every single day.
One way to start? Support Black-owned coffee shops. These businesses are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee; they are cultural hubs, small business incubators and economic engines for our community. Put that Starbucks coffee down and check out this essential guide to some great establishments you can visit.
Kefita Coffee
Address: 2506 La Branch St., Houston, TX 77004.
Phone number: (832) 859-2910
Ruby Amare and her mother Addis Debebe own Kefita Coffee. The duo turned their passion for the Ethiopian coffee culture into a thriving business in the heart of Houston, which has been open for just five months.
“Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. My family’s from Ethiopia, so it’s really important to us to lean into cultural storytelling and just letting folks know that coffee is Black,” said Amare.
They spent over a decade developing the business to ensure authenticity in every cup.
“We use different Ethiopian spices in our food and drinks. One of our standout menu items is our homemade sambusas, which have potato, lentil and other really yummy ingredients, paired with a spiced sauce,” Amare said. “On the drink side, our Abyssinia is a must-try—it’s made with a syrup infused with Ethiopian spices, something you won’t get anywhere else.”
Three Keys Coffee
Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Number: (713) 296-9228
Three Keys is a Houston-based craft coffee roastery founded in 2019 by a husband-and-wife team Tio and Kenzel Fallen.
Three Keys Coffee is a craft coffee roastery that provides a multi-sensory experience through taste, sight and sound. In 2022, Food & Wine named Three Keys the Best Coffee Roaster in Texas.
The brand explores the connection between art, music and coffee through vibrant bag design, curated Spotify playlists and top-quality coffee.
It speaks a multicultural, inclusive language and welcoming to anyone who wants to enjoy a great cup of coffee. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to appreciate what they offer.
By drawing inspiration from the history of vinyl recordings, Three Keys aims to make specialty coffee more accessible. Just as vinyl brought live music to homes, Three Keys seeks to bring high-quality coffee experiences to the everyday drinker. Jazz lovers will especially enjoy the curated playlists accompanying each coffee roast.
Day 6 Coffee Co.
Address: 910 Prairie St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002
3227 SH-6 N Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone Number: (832) 696-7822
For brothers Ricardo “RJ” and Ian Wilson, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a way to honor family, faith and the memory of their late brother, Aaron Wilson. Inspired by their Christian beliefs, the siblings opened Day 6 Coffee Co. in 2020, a shop that has since become a haven for high-quality coffee and community connection.
It’s more than just a coffee shop. It’s a community hub designed to foster conversation and intellectual exchange. RJ’s inspiration for the business came from his time living in Barcelona, where the coffee culture was deeply rooted in social engagement rather than just a caffeine fix.
“I wanted to be in the hospitality business, but not in the restaurant business,” Wilson shared. “Coffee was the perfect product—something that brings people together without the negative effects of alcohol or unhealthy ingredients.”
RJ wrestles with the perception that Black-owned businesses and professionals only succeed due to DEI initiatives.
“I don’t want people supporting my business just because we’re Black-owned. I want them to support us because we’re the best coffee shop in the city. We have the best managers, they just happen to be Black,” he said.
Day 6 Coffee Co. offers an array of specialty lattes, including unique flavors like their Texas Lattes, Cold brews and Macchiatos. Customers can also enjoy a selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches and tacos, making it a popular spot for morning and midday gatherings.
They have two locations. One in Downtown and the other in Sugarland.
