The Heart of Community - Black Cowboy Coffee
Exciting History of the foundation of Black Cowboy Coffee enterprise.
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 Nigeria, educated in Nigeria and England, 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 terroirs 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.
Black Cowboy Coffee: A Creative Outpost
Cultivating Community, Creativity, and Culture Over a Cup
Nestled in the heart of the Elephant and Castle, Black Cowboy Coffee stands not merely as a café but as a creative outpost—a place where ideas roam as freely as the open range and where every cup poured is an invitation to gather, create, and connect. Beyond its aromatic brews and rustic ambiance, Black Cowboy Coffee is a living testament to the power of community, storytelling, and the enduring spirit of innovation.
What sets Black Cowboy Coffee apart is its commitment to fostering creativity, both in its offerings and its atmosphere. The founder, Emeka Otagburuagu, created Black Cowboy Comics based on the authentic story of Luis Xavier de Jesus, West African born Brazilian enslaved person, who later purchased his own freedom and became a prosperous merchant. Emeka co-opted his story and with artistic license, has created a comic book superhero. As this poster shows, Xavier the character story line will keep unfolding as the years go by and will be part of the Black Cowboy Coffee branding profile.
