Pernell Cezar

Pernell Cezar’s impact on the community didn’t start with his coffee business, but during his time at UNI. As a first-generation college student, he excelled during his undergraduate years and was elected as the first-ever Black student-body president at UNI. 

During his term as president, he developed policies to simplify and consolidate student fees. He also implemented Safe Ride, working with the city of Cedar Falls to keep bus routes near campus open late for student safety.

In 2018, Cezar and his childhood friend, Rod Johnson, started their Des Moines-based coffee company BLK & Bold. The mission of the company is to create social impact for the underrepresented while giving back to the community. 

“Social impact is the only reason why we are in this business in the first place,” Cezar said. “In the industries we grew up in, lack of representation is real… You look at a large organization and up the corporate ladder and you see no people who come from the same community as you.” 

BLK & Bold pledges 5% of its profits to initiatives supporting youth programming, workforce development and fighting against youth homelessness. On top of this, the company combines sound distribution, sourcing and financial practices to ensure sustainability and a positive impact.

Through ethical entrepreneurship and hard work, BLK & Bold became a top seller at Target and the #1 new coffee brand on Amazon in 2020. In 2022, the company signed a multi-year licensing agreement with the NBA.

Cezar credits the Wilson College of Business for his foundational entrepreneurship skills, stating that the professors on campus were genuine and accessible. The small classes also helped him build personal relationships with many of his teachers. 

“Pernell’s success is a testament to both his talent and determination,” said the Dean of the Wilson College of Business, Leslie Wilson. “He took advantage of the professional-readiness opportunities available at UNI to develop foundational skills that have allowed him to flourish as an entrepreneur.” 

Cezar has had many other memorable recognitions, celebrity shout-outs, and even appearing on talk shows.

He continues to be active at UNI, serving on the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship advisory board in the Wilson College of Business.  

“He is relentless in working with Black entrepreneurs on how to operate within the realities of the business environment and overcome the overwhelming odds against them,” said Wilson. “In doing so, he has inspired other entrepreneurs to incorporate social causes into their fledgling businesses.”