NFLPA Supports Diverse-Led Coffee Companies BLQK Coffee and BlackNerd Coffee on National Coffee Day
Washington D.C., September 29, 2023 – On National Coffee Day, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is proud to support two exceptional coffee companies: BLQK Coffee and BlackNerd Coffee. These companies, led by Black and women entrepreneurs, are deeply committed to creating a positive impact through their artisanal coffee and purpose-driven missions. By partnering with these businesses, the NFLPA reinforces its commitment to empowering brands that are positively impacting local communities and promoting social justice causes.
Introducing BLQK Coffee and BlackNerd Coffee:
BLQK Coffee: Founder Justin Watson, co-founder Ritchie Tuazon, and partner Derek Norman, all BIPOC entrepreneurs, have redefined the coffee experience with a focus on learning, leadership and giving back. BLQK Coffee is on a mission to spread joy and inspire service through exceptional coffee, committing 10% of their profits to advancing social justice causes. Their journey began amidst the energy of the 2020 George Floyd protests, and their motto became "If not us, who? If not now, when? If not here, where?" BLQK’s dedication to authenticity and joy shines through their commitment to community, family and a more joyful future for all.
Justin Watson, founder of BLQK Coffee and former NFL player: “Derek and I are genuinely thrilled about the synergy between BLQK Coffee and the NFL Players Association. We’re excited to join forces with an organization that resonates with our core values. Embracing diversity, inclusion, and community service has been integral to both our journeys. Together, we’re brewing a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.”
BlackNerd Coffee: Elliott and Annie Carter, graduates of Florida A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), share a passion for crafting artisanal coffee and believe in the therapeutic benefits of this beloved beverage. BlackNerd Coffee has forged partnerships with various organizations to raise awareness and contribute to numerous causes. Their journey started with a quest to create the perfect cup of black coffee, leading to a delicious obsession with coffee exploration. They embrace coffee as a form of intentional and therapeutic self-care, sharing their nerdy enthusiasm for all things coffee.
Annie Carter, co-founder of BlackNerd: “Team BlackNerd Coffee is celebrating National Coffee Day by announcing our collaboration with an organization that shares our love for exceptional coffee and a commitment to influencing positive change. Our shared values in diversity, community empowerment, and social causes fuel our enthusiasm to work together in brewing a more inclusive future.”
The NFLPA champions coffee businesses that align with its values of diversity, community engagement and charitable giving. Much like NFL players’ philanthropic efforts and outreach, BLQK Coffee and BlackNerd Coffee are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
“These partnerships reflect our commitment to diversity, inclusion, ethical practices, and economic empowerment, while also reinforcing the NFLPA’s mission to make a positive impact on society,” said Steve Scebelo, president of NFL Players Inc.
About the NFLPA
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. For more information, please visit www.nflpa.com.
About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy and player activations. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/about/players-inc.