Celebrating Natividad
in Denver, Colorado
In Denver, we are proud to partner with Kaladi Coffee and acclaimed local artist Giovannie “JUST” Dixon to present a mural featuring an actual Kaladi Coffee Fairtrade certified farmer, Natividad Vallejos, and themed around a key area of impact for Fairtrade: gender equality.
This mural is located at 1730 East Evans Avenue in Denver, Colorado.
THE FARMER
Natividad Vallejos
Natividad Vallejos is a member of a women-produced and led coffee program Cafe Femenino that is part of the Cecanor cooperative, located in Peru. In 2003, more than 400 female coffee producers united to create Café Femenino in order to strengthen the voices and economic power of impoverished, marginalized women in coffee production. The women farmers of Café Femenino in Cecanor obtain control of revenues and land ownership and receive acknowledgment for their exceptional coffee.
Natividad’s coffee farm has been Fairtrade certified and affiliated with Café Femenino for 15 years, and her children are also now members. She and her fellow producers have used their power to invest in community projects, such as children’s libraries, schools, health and nutritional education, and programs that build self-esteem, human rights awareness, and literacy.
THE ARTIST
Just Dixon
Giovannie “JUST” Dixon is a Denver-based mural artist dedicated to using his art as a form of activism. Deeply inspired by the social justice movement, Giovannie aims to create beautiful, thought-provoking murals. From Denver to Seattle to Los Angeles to Canada and Jamaica, Giovannie’s murals are intended to affect positive change in the world. That is why Giovannie is excited to partner with Fairtrade America on a mural to spark awareness, conversation, empowerment and equality.
Giovannie hopes the mural will help to raise the voices of women like Natividad and elevate the importance of gender equality. Natividad reminds Giovannie of his own mother. He was inspired by her facial expression that conveys a deep sense of pride in herself, her work and the fruits of her labor. Giovannie also included coffee berries and subtle scenic views of Peru in the mural to acknowledge the beauty and fruitfulness of the region.
THE BRAND & LOCATION
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
Founded by coffee aficionados Mark Overly and Andrew Melnick, Kaladi Coffee Roasters is dedicated to sourcing the highest quality Fairtrade coffee beans from farmers who demonstrate sustainable growing practices and respect workers rights to produce premium specialty coffee. For twenty years, Kaladi Coffee Roasters has been a place of community for Denverites, fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment that celebrates the art and skill of producing the best coffee imaginable.
