Black Cowboy Coffee Story
Honouring Heritage. Brewing Resilience. Inspiring Community.
Our Story
Black Cowboy Coffee was founded to celebrate the legacy of African American cowboys—trailblazers whose courage, independence, and resilience shaped the American West. Their stories, often overlooked, embody the spirit of freedom and perseverance that continues to inspire us today.
Our founder, Emeka Otagburuagu, brings a unique journey to this vision. Born in Owerri, Nigeria. Educated in Nigeria and England, grew up as a teen in South London, notably Elephant and Castle, and later working in Texas. Emeka's life has been defined by entrepreneurship and discovery. His entrepreneurial career began in the trucking industry, where he transported chemical tankers across the United States and Canada. With determination and grit, he became an owner‑operator, successfully paying off his Freightliner truck and running his own business for nearly a decade.
During his time in Texas, Emeka explored the history of African American cowboys in places such as Oklahoma, Denver, and Rosenberg. These experiences confirmed what he had first learned as a student in Nigeria and deepened his passion for preserving this history. His heritage also plays a role: his grandfather, King of Ovungwu in Isi‑Ala Ngwa, Nigeria, was a cattle owner, and Emeka recalls feeding cattle as a child—an early connection to cowboy culture.
Returning to London, Emeka combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for heritage and coffee. In 2015, with support from a UK government enterprise loan to the amount of £2,500, he launched Black Cowboy Enterprise at Elephant and Castle Market. Despite challenges—including the demolition of the shopping centre and the impact of COVID‑19—his commitment to community and culture has remained steadfast.
Our Vision
Black Cowboy Coffee is more than a brand—it is a movement. We aim to:
• Celebrate heritage by honouring the contributions of African American Cowboys.
• Empower communities by sourcing coffee from underrepresented regions in West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
• Introduce new Flavours by showcasing robusta, arabusta, and arabica beans grown in unique territories such as Nigeria's Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
• Build culture by creating a coffee experience that connects history, resilience, and community.
Looking Ahead
We are preparing to open the Black Cowboy Coffee Roastery in South London, where tradition meets innovation. By introducing West African coffee to the global market, we seek to uplift local farmers, share untold stories, and foster a distinct culture rooted in resilience and pride.
