The day for me kicked off with words of respect for the natives whose land we all were occupying. Yes, the rich aroma of mindfulness was in full bloom and it pollinated our ears with the truth. Native and traditional dances were showcased, kids looked on curiously, and the vendors, local businesses and resources, shared the various ways in which they are there to support the community.
Over break beats, multicultural feet and smiles hipped and hopped to the funky freshness of diversity. Organic and rooted in positivity, the vibe dug a groove in soul city that day at the lot on 44. Melanie spoke, my soul turned, Los turned it back, and now the logo reads “The DOJO… Coffee Culture Community…”
The DOJO is the culmination of four civic minded entrepreneurs, Carlos, Tayari, Peter, and Nancy, determined to change the way help happens through social enterprise. After working a combined 21 years in social work, along with over 18 years in the foodservice industries, The DOJO was created to address the lack of safe, culturally reflective, and productive spaces – an ever growing need in underserved communities. Why the name The DOJO? Because the term DOJO is a Japanese term which literally means “place of the way,” and here in the States it generally refers to a martial arts training place. Well, we feel like The DOJO cafe will serve as a safe training place for aspiring residents in underserved communities to discover their way.
To read more from The Dojo Café Co-founder Tayari Shorter, please click here.
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