Who we are
Our founder, a product of the civil rights movement era, grew up in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1970s and 1980s. He witnessed the fervor for social causes and cultural change up close. This upbringing instilled in him the idea that making our community better should be in our very DNA. It's a belief that resonates with Dr. Martin Luther King's vision, which he shared during his Nobel Prize acceptance speech: "I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits."
Using the inspiration and furvor that his upbringing provided, David “Duke” Barnes opened The Foundation Coffee House in Huntsvill, AL in 2021 . His proudly Black-owned coffeehouse is nestled right down the hill from the Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU). This location isn't just a matter of convenience; it's deeply rooted in a commitment to celebrating economic industry, entrepreneurship, the arts, and the rich tapestry of Black culture. Our founder understands the importance of representation and visibility and see’s the potential for coffee to be a vehicle for change in these communities, and created the Duke Barnes Foundation to achieve this in 2023.
our services
FundRaising
Fund raise with coffee through our partner service Foundation Coffee Experience! You can sell coffee to raise funds for your cause using the simple website.
Community Events
We support local organization’s community events with discounted venue rentals at The Foundation Coffee House. Contact us for eligibility guidelines.
Scholarship
We suport HBCU Scholarship programs with support from our donors and partner organizations.
our work
Men of Kennis
Duke Barnes Foundation provides mentorship, recruitment and advisory services to Men of Kennis, aiding their mission to increase the number of Black and Hispanic male teachers in classrooms in Alabama.
AAMU Bulldog Players
We provide a venue for AAMU bulldog theatre meetings and improv shows through our partner The Foundation Coffeehouse.
Thanksgiving dinner
Duke Barnes Foundation Hosts an annual thanksgiving dinner at The Foundation Coffee House for students that cannot go home for the holidays.
Our partners
The Foundation Coffee House
AAMU Bulldog Players
Men of Kennis
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contact us
Duke Barnes Foundation
111 James Parcus Circle
Madison, AL 35756-5052
DukeBarnesFoundation@gmail.com
Mrabb@DukeBarnesFoundation.org
DBarnes@DukeBarnesFoundation.org