The Youth Coffee Expo and the Global Coffee Economy

From the Crop to the Cup, From the Seed to the Sip, and From the Bean to the Bank: Cultivating Careers in Specialty Coffee Through the Youth Coffee Expo

The Youth Coffee Expo, founded by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, is a transformative initiative aimed at introducing inner-city youth to the specialty coffee industry. With its mission to cultivate careers in coffee within underserved communities, the Expo provides a platform for young people to explore the economic, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities along the coffee supply chain.

Combining hands-on learning, career-building resources, and community empowerment, the Youth Coffee Expo addresses systemic inequities while inspiring the next generation of leaders to build a sustainable and inclusive future.

The Vision Behind the Expo

Pastor Kyev Tatum, a renowned advocate for equity and opportunity, envisioned the Youth Coffee Expo as a response to the economic challenges faced by marginalized communities. With over 30 years of experience in advocacy and development, Pastor Tatum recognized the specialty coffee industry as a unique tool for economic revitalization and empowerment.

The Expo builds on the success of Coffeeaires, Pastor Tatum’s specialty coffee business launched during the pandemic to stimulate inner-city economies. Collaborating with the Texas A&M University Center for Coffee Research and Education, the Expo expands this vision by equipping youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the coffee industry, both locally and globally.

Purpose and Goals

The Youth Coffee Expo is driven by three key objectives:

1. Education: To introduce young people to the science, art, and economics of coffee, from crop cultivation and processing to brewing and business operations.

2. Empowerment: To equip youth with the tools and skills necessary to pursue careers in the specialty coffee industry, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and supply chain management.

3. Community Building: To create a sense of pride and economic opportunity in inner-city neighborhoods by showcasing coffee as a catalyst for social and economic change.

Expo Highlights

Hands-On Workshops

Industry professionals lead interactive sessions where youth learn about coffee cupping (tasting), brewing, and latte art. Workshops also cover sustainability practices and the global coffee supply chain, making complex industry concepts accessible and engaging.

Career Panels

Leaders from across the coffee industry share their journeys, offering insights into diverse careers, from coffee farming and importing to roasting and retail management. These panels inspire participants to envision their place within the industry.

Entrepreneurship Lab

In the Entrepreneurship Lab, participants are guided through the process of creating their own coffee-related businesses. This includes crafting business plans, marketing strategies, and understanding the financial aspects of running a successful venture.

Cultural Connections

Through exhibits and discussions, the Expo highlights the rich cultural history of coffee and its role in connecting communities worldwide. This global perspective encourages participants to embrace fair trade and sustainable practices.

The Role of the Inner City Coffee Exchange

The Youth Coffee Expo is a core initiative of Kyev Tatum and the Inner City Coffee Exchange, launched in 2021 to foster innovation and global impact within specialty coffee. The Exchange provides participants with opportunities for internships, mentorships, and hands-on involvement in real-world coffee projects.

By aligning the Expo with the Exchange’s mission, Pastor Tatum ensures that the program creates long-term benefits for inner-city youth, positioning them as key players in the global coffee economy.

Impact and Legacy

The Youth Coffee Expo has the potential to transform lives and communities by:

• Creating Jobs: Introducing youth to career pathways in coffee retail, roasting, distribution, and beyond.

• Building Confidence: Providing participants with tangible skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

• Strengthening Communities: Instilling pride and ownership within neighborhoods through economic empowerment.

By cultivating careers in coffee, the Expo creates a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond individual participants to their families and communities.

Looking Ahead

As the Youth Coffee Expo grows, Pastor Tatum envisions expanding its reach to other cities and incorporating new elements such as scholarships, industry certifications, and international exchange programs.

This vision includes partnerships with schools, libraries, and community centers to bring the Expo’s transformative opportunities to even more young people. By aligning with global efforts to promote sustainability and equity, the Expo is poised to shape the future of specialty coffee while uplifting underserved communities.

Conclusion

The Youth Coffee Expo exemplifies the power of innovation and community-centered development. By connecting young people to the specialty coffee industry, Pastor Kyev Tatum is not just brewing coffee—he’s brewing opportunity, empowerment, and hope for inner-city youth.

From the crop to the cup, from the seed to the sip, and from the bean to the bank, the Youth Coffee Expo is paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.