Hello, coffee lovers and changemakers! At Radiant Star Roasters, we believe that coffee is more than a morning ritual. It is a global industry powered by people, many of whom are women, working tirelessly to plant, harvest, process, and prepare the beans we enjoy each day. Behind every cup lies a question of justice. Today, we’re diving into a topic close to our mission and my personal calling: advocating for fair wages and ethical practices in the coffee industry.
Coffee and Justice: Why It Matters
For decades, the coffee industry has depended on the labor of smallholder farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These farmers are often paid far less than the true value of their work. Many live in poverty, despite producing one of the world’s most valuable global commodities.
As someone who has spent my career fighting for justice and equality through the law, I see clear parallels between systemic inequities in the courtroom and those on the coffee farm. My legal work has focused on giving voice to those who have been silenced and creating paths toward economic and social fairness. That same commitment drives the work we do at Radiant Star Roasters.
What Does Fair Look Like?
Fair wages mean that the people who grow and produce our coffee can live with dignity. It means they have access to healthcare, education, safe working conditions, and enough income to sustain their families and communities. Ethical practices go beyond compensation. They include transparency, sustainability, and long-term investment in the people behind the product.
Unfortunately, the traditional coffee supply chain often hides or ignores these values. Brokers, exporters, and large corporations take the lion’s share of profits, while farmers absorb the risks of market volatility and climate disruption. That imbalance is not just bad economics; it is a justice issue.
Using Business as a Tool for Change
Radiant Star Roasters was born out of a vision to use business as a tool for justice. We source our beans from women-owned farms and cooperatives committed to equity and sustainability. We pay a premium price, not just to check a box, but to honor the true worth of the labor involved.
We also invest in direct relationships, so our producers are not just suppliers, but partners. We want every farmer we work with to have the opportunity to lead, grow, and thrive.
Advocacy Through Awareness
Part of our mission is also to raise awareness. Many consumers have no idea where their coffee comes from or how many hands touch it before it reaches their cup. By sharing stories, championing fair trade, and educating our community, we can shift the conversation from commodity to connection.
When we understand that our purchasing choices have power, we begin to demand better, not just for ourselves, but for everyone in the supply chain.
The Ongoing Work of Justice
Justice is not a destination; it is an ongoing commitment. Whether in the courtroom or the coffee field, it requires persistence, transparency, and collaboration. I bring the same passion I have carried into legal advocacy into this work, because I believe both are essential to building a world where all people have the chance to live and work with dignity.
How You Can Help
- Choose coffee that supports fair wages and ethical sourcing.
- Learn about where your coffee comes from and who produces it.
- Support businesses that center justice in their mission.
- Use your voice to advocate for transparency and accountability in global supply chains.
At Radiant Star Roasters, we raise our cups not just to good coffee, but to a better, more just world. Thank you for being part of the movement.
Warmly,
Micha Star Liberty