‘Grounds for Innocence’: A Black History Month Collaboration With Bongo Java Roasting Co.

This Black History Month, the Innocence Project and the Tennessee Innocence Project are proud to partner with Bongo Java Roasting Co. to launch a special-edition coffee blend, “Grounds for Innocence.” This medium roast features tasting notes of honey, orange, and milk chocolate, making it the perfect, smooth, and balanced brew to start your day. Even better, every purchase helps fight wrongful convictions and support much-needed reforms in the criminal legal system.

As Nashville’s oldest and most beloved coffeehouse, Bongo Java Roasting Co. has long been committed to using its platform for positive change. The company currently sells blends that support a local, community-supported radio station and academic programs at a local high school. This Black History Month partnership serves to highlight the disproportionate impact of wrongful convictions on Black people in the United States. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, nearly 61 percent of exonerees are Black. 

“At Bongo Java, we’re committed to using our platform to support justice and equality,” Bongo Java Roasting Co. shared in a statement. “As part of our ongoing efforts, we’re proud to raise awareness for the Innocence Project and the Tennessee Innocence Project this Black History Month. These organizations are doing vital work to address wrongful convictions and advocate for a more fair and just legal system. We’re honored to stand behind them in their mission and look forward to continuing our support long after this month.”

The  “Grounds for Innocence” artwork was designed by Lo Harris, the Innocence Project’s creative lead, and is inspired by the Tennessee Innocence Project’s logo. It merges the identities of the two organizations, which work towards the same mission of advancing justice. 

“The Tennessee Innocence Project uses a dove in its logo as a symbol of peace and freedom, which felt like a powerful element to incorporate,” said Ms. Harris. “Meanwhile, the Innocence Project’s signature blue is inspired by the blue ink used in letters from incarcerated individuals seeking legal representation. I wanted to bring these elements together into a single label that honors the histories and missions of both organizations.”

The Tennessee Innocence Project was formed in 2019. Since then, the organization has exonerated nine people, who collectively served over 210 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. 

“We are proud to join forces with the Innocence Project and Nashville’s beloved Bongo Java Roasting Co. to spotlight the critical fight against wrongful convictions,” said Jason Gichner, executive director of the Tennessee Innocence Project. “As a Tennessee organization, partnering with a community cornerstone like Bongo Java, who shares our dedication to justice, deeply resonates with our mission. This Black History Month initiative carries particular significance given the disproportionate impact of wrongful convictions on Black communities. Our ‘Grounds for Innocence’ campaign stands as a powerful declaration of support for the wrongfully convicted and our commitment to justice.”

The collaboration officially launches on Feb. 18, and customers can purchase “Grounds for Innocence” online. Proceeds from Grounds for Innocence will be split equally between both organizations, directly funding their efforts to free the wrongfully convicted and push for systemic change.

Join us in supporting this meaningful initiative — because every sip will make a difference.