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Whittier Cafe, The Social Justice Coffee Shop

Description: When you walk into the Whittier Cafe these days - wearing a mask, of course - you feel an immediate sense of community despite the socially distant atmosphere prompted by COVID-19. Perhaps it’s the local artwork hung on the walls, the free lending library, or the cozy outdoor patio. Or perhaps it’s the mood created by owner Millete Birhanemaskel, whose effortlessly welcoming nature makes it known: you belong here. All are welcome here. Nicknamed “The Social Justice Coffee Shop,” Whittier Cafe is a known gathering place for various political organizers, community activists, and those working towards positive changes in our city. Step into the restroom, and it’s like walking into a mini-protest, with signs from various city marches stacked up against the wall. “Amplify Black Voices” and “Justice 4 George” are among them. I Am Denver sat down with Birhanemaskel at the height of the protests for George Floyd in June of 2020. We discussed how her African espresso bar became a landing place for movements like Black Lives Matter, how many have stepped up to support this and other black-owned businesses, and why everyone has a role in this historic moment.