Photo courtesy of Jennifer Turner and Ezra Coffee.
East Dallas-dwelling entrepreneur Jessica Taylor, founder of Ezra Coffee, is now selling her blends in more than 40 H-E-B stores across Texas, according to a news release. While we don’t have that grocery store in our neighborhood, yet, you can purchase Ezra by way of the company website or Target’s online store. (Or pick up at the Plano or Frisco H-E-B stores.)
Here are a few reasons why — aside from supporting a local business owner who also is a policy advocate and former educator — you might like to try it out.
Ethics — Ezra Coffee only purchases coffee from suppliers who provide both high-quality coffee and fair, respectable compensation for workers, according to their press release.
Your comfort — Lactose intolerant? Ezra Coffee also created the company’s coffee blends with you in mind, because, that’s a problem that affects as much as 68% of the population, according to the promo. “It’s important to Ezra Coffee to create smooth, rich blends that everyone can enjoy without needing to use milk-based creamers.”
Giving back — Taylor, through Ezra Coffee, is working to ease student debt. During the summer of 2022, Ezra Coffee announced its inaugural scholarship session for its Ezra Scholars’ Scholarship, a program that aims to help students pay outstanding balances of $1,000 or less. A portion of each Ezra Coffee sale funds the scholarship program.
The packaging — Ezra Coffee’s bags are decorated with Ghanaian Andrinka symbols, and inspiring inscriptions tell stories of Black culture — tales of opportunity, freedom and perseverance in American history.
Here are some examples:
64th & Tulsa is a medium dark roast that honors the significance of Black Wall Street in the Greenwood District of Tulsa and the Presidential signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Lorde Baldwin is a bold, powerful Kenyan AA-based blend, that honors literary icons Audre Lorde and James Baldwin, writers who unapologetically fought against social inequality.
Candied Yams is “made for the culture,” Taylor says. This seasonal blend of light roast coffee infuses the sweet taste of the classic southern dish. Prepare a creamy cup of comfort, love, and southern tradition.
Toasted Southern Pecan is a rich light roast with a buttery nut taste, and a forestry aroma. The pecan was first domesticated in St. James Parish in Louisiana around 1846 by Antoine, an enslaved horticulturist.
Le Grand Duc 1928 is a medium roast is a decadent, cognac-infused blend that is perfect for the sophisticated palate. Its name pays homage to Eugene Bullard, the first black combat pilot and owner of Le Grand Duc, a famous Parisian nightclub.
“My goal with Ezra Coffee Co. is to always highlight the stories, legacies and experiences of African-Americans who have contributed to our collective American history,” Taylor says via email. “With each cup of bold and flavorful coffee, Ezra [Coffee] informs, empowers and inspires coffee connoisseurs and novices everywhere.”
