Brooklyn culture fuses into Harlem via a relatable beverage most people drink daily: coffee. Community empowerment is unifying and connecting while notably expanding uptown. Dedicated to transforming the coffee industry, CUP (Coffee Uplifts People) strategically supports equality and diversity.
Originating in Brooklyn, CUP has opened a new location in East Harlem at the Africa Center. Founded in 2020 by Tony Forte, Angela Yee, and LaRon Batchelor, this Black-owned coffee establishment emphasizes remaining at the forefront of a movement aimed at refining a more diverse and exclusive approach to the coffee industry.
Forte and Yee, both Brooklyn natives with family from the Caribbean, are thrilled about this second location. “The opportunity was amazing,” said Yee. The radio personality and host of her daily show, “Way Up with Angela Yee” on Power 105.1, described the Africa Center as a perfect location. She believes that the history of coffee and the center synchronize well. “Education is really important to us,” said Yee. “It’s not only about having a great cup of coffee — let’s get educated on the origins of coffee.”
Africa Center in East Harlem, NYC. 
Co-founders Tony Forte and Angela Yee at CUP’s (Coffee Uplifts People) new location, Africa Center in East Harlem, NYC. 
(Coffee Uplifts People) CUP’s Jamaican beef, chicken, and veggie patties. 
(Coffee Uplifts People) CUP’s signature teas and Tony Forte pouring a drink.
Forte described the new partnership as, “a very unique opportunity.” “Once I learned more about the Africa Center, I saw there was an opportunity — especially with our values.” Forte said there are very limited partnerships that are as well-aligned with CUP’s values as the Africa Center. These values include their brand being “crop to cup” and the company’s direct-trade relationships with coffee bean growers in Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia, México, and Peru.
Forte said coffee is the second colonized commodity globally after oil. He understands the world’s coffee production as it grows along what’s known as “the Coffee Belt” in countries through the equator. Forte is determined that CUP’s platform will give a voice to the injustices happening in the coffee industry.
Co-founders Tony Forte and Angela Yee were interviewed by AmNews Journalist Brenika Banks about expanding their business Coffee Uplifts People (CUP), to East Harlem. The duo discussed their movement of refining the coffee industry, as well as encouraging people to support diverse and inclusive approaches. (Brenika Banks video)
According to their website, “Every batch of Coffee Uplifts People is meticulously roasted right in Brooklyn […] our roasting process combines traditional methods with modern techniques, ensuring each bean releases its maximum flavor potential.” It’s a strategic way for CUP to support Brooklyn communities, as well as keeping them properly informed.
Yee noted the misconception in Black and Brown communities that coffee is harmful for one’s health. According to Oxford Academic data about coffee consumption related to mortality, “the association between coffee intake amounts and the risk of all-cause mortality differed by patterns of coffee drinking timing. Compared with non-coffee drinking, both moderate and heavy coffee consumption were significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality among participants with morning-type pattern.” Ultimately, coffee isn’t harmful when consumed cautiously.
Yee’s media background provides a great platform for her listeners and fans to stay informed about CUP. “I think people are more intentional about where they’re getting their product from and the story behind the brand,” said Yee. “We have a lot of choices about where we spend our dollars — let’s spend our money in places where it does make the most impact for our communities.”
Forte’s impact is strong as he contributes a lifestyle lens to the coffee brand. Beyond Harlem, CUP supplies coffee to 31 restaurants across the country. “When you see CUP, you know certain values, certain cultural experiences, certain nuances are going to preserve that we know are going to be upheld,” said Forte.
In addition to coffee, CUP serves Caribbean traditional staples such as homemade sorrel, Jamaican beef, chicken, and veggie patties.
CUP’s expansion to Harlem represents a Black-owned coffee business mirroring the neighborhood. Yee believes their brand sets a precedent for the younger generations aspiring to become entrepreneurs in different, achievable ways. She enjoys “meeting younger people who have literally come up to me and said, ‘You having this here makes me feel like I could do something like this, too.’”
For more info, visit coffeeupliftspeople.com.