1866 Coffee

The first-ever coffee created by students of The Color of Coffee Collective’s Coffee Camps, honoring Houston’s historic 5th Ward. Confronting the lack of local representation in specialty coffee, students chose an Ethiopian origin — the birthplace of coffee — as a nod to heritage and fresh starts. Its name marks the year freed men and women built the 5th Ward, forging a legacy of resilience, unity, and hope.

Sales directly sustain Coffee Camp’s educational programs.

The Origins of 1866 Coffee

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Why 1866 Coffee

Unique Origins

1866 Coffee is the first coffee created by coffee camp students dedicated to their community. Using Ethiopian beans to represent new beginnings, it's named after the year freed men and women founded the 5th Ward, reflecting the community's rich history and origins.

Youth Empowerment

Students gain real-world experience in sourcing, roasting, packaging and entrepreneurship by creating 1866 Coffee. The program provides job skills training and builds confidence while creating pathways into the specialty coffee industry for underserved youth.

Fostering Community

1866 Coffee embodies the founding principles of the 5th Ward—unity, mutual aid, and hope. Every bag purchased directly supports youth development programs, extending impact beyond the classroom while building pride in cultural heritage and community collaboration.

Support the next generation of coffee leaders

Purchase a bag of 1866 Coffee when it launches on November 5, share the story, and help amplify the voices of young changemakers in coffee.

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How It Began

"As we were tasting other coffees, they were all from different places and roasted by other roasters but none of them represented the rich and long history of The 5th Ward. So the journey began there."