Starbucks is celebrating Black History Month with its a collection of cups from artist Damon Brown.
Brown’s work is part of the coffee chain’s Artists Collaboration Series which “celebrates the unique stories of artists from all over the world.” While diverse artists have utilize their creatvity to amplify events such as Pride Month, this year marks the first designs for the Black community.
Brown, whose artistic name is Creative Lou, inserted the colors significant to the Black community in his depiction of Black people. Remaining true to Starbucks’ brand while promoting pops of sky blue and cream, these designs are a highlight of Black community members taking the main focus, especially in a contemporary fashion.“An intentional play on the classic color palette of red, black and green that you may typically see represented in Black art or during Black History Month—to make it more modern and purposeful,” explained Brown on his creation.
Brown first worked on a mural for a Starbucks location in Seattle. His work was also featured in a poster commemorating the coffee shops 50th anniversary, bringing back the siren logo. This working relationship is especially important to Brown, who hopes the designs will spark a long lasting joy in customers.
“My goal for this collection was for it not to feel that it’s one month only—but taking it farther and giving you something more artistic that can be enjoyed and celebrated beyond February—when it should be every day for us.”
The latest cold cups and tumblers will be available across Starbucks locations in the
U.S. and Canada starting Jan. 30. Meanwhile, the coffee giant continues to support Black organizations, such as the NAACP and African American Mayors Association.RELATED CONTENT: Coffee Giant Starbucks Accused Of Tricking Customers, App Collecting $900M Over 5-Year Period