STEEPED IN UBUNTU
One of the most influential stories in history begins with a simple question: “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan, an enduring call to love and care for one another. Across Africa and the global African diaspora, this spirit has long been lived out through community, hospitality, and shared cups of tea, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
Brewing Black was created to celebrate the beauty, brilliance, and flavor of Black culture across the diaspora; from African, South American and Caribbean-inspired blends to jazz-era–inspired packaging and tea names drawn from Black American culture. Each cup is a reminder of a truth passed down through generations: your neighbor is only a teacup away.
BREWED IN CULTURE
As a Zimbabwean-owned, woman-owned small business, Brewing Black reimagines iconic drinks from across the African diaspora (Africa, the United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean) through the lens of tea. From sorrel and chorote to red drink and tropical island flavors, each blend transforms beloved cultural beverages into thoughtfully crafted tea experiences using high-quality African teas, bold black teas, soothing rooibos, rich herbal blends, and globally inspired ingredients. Our mission is to unite the diaspora through flavor, creating blends that evoke memory, spark connection, and offer moments of restoration (preferably shared with a neighbor, of course).
OUR VALUES
CULTURAL UNITY ACROSS THE DIASPORA
CULTURAL UNITY ACROSS THE DIASPORA
UBUNTU-GUIDED COMMUNITY
UBUNTU-GUIDED COMMUNITY
AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS, INTENTIONAL FLAVOR
AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS, INTENTIONAL FLAVOR
CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY & HERITAGE
CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY & HERITAGE
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Rutendo Valerie Jairosi is the Zimbabwean founder of Brewing Black, a graphic designer, poet, and Shona children’s book author whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling, culture, and community. Inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu - “I am because we are” - she created Brewing Black to celebrate the flavor and connectedness of the global African diaspora by reimagining iconic beverages from Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the United States into bold, culturally rooted tea blends. Through her work across design, literature, and tea, Rutendo explores how art, language, and flavor can preserve memory, spark conversation, and bring people together.