NORTH LAWNDALE — A coffee company dedicated to promoting Africa’s role in the coffee industry has opened a cafe in North Lawndale’s new community space.

Monday Coffee’s new store opened Saturday at the Starling Community Center, 3243 W. 16th St. It is the first permanent shop for the Black-owned company, which got its start at pop-up events in the city before signing on to be a tenant at the burgeoning community center.

“Being able to be in North Lawndale and serve a community, create a safe space through art and continuing to use coffee as a vehicle is basically the foundation of Monday Coffee,” Monday Coffee co-founder Amanda Harth said. “It’s important for Black people, Brown people, to have a safe space to exist. With the pandemic, a lot of those spaces disappeared.”

By Michael Liptrot, Block Club Chicago

November 12, 2024