Summer Blend in Focus | Idlewild 
 
During the start of the 20th century, Black middle class communities were emerging in urban centers across the US. Here in the Midwest- from Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee - Black professionals and business owners were enjoying their successes of upward movement within their respective enclaves. Yet, racial segregation still prevented them from experiencing many of the country's recreational destinations. Black Americans across the nation began to carve out their own summer safe havens. And for Black Detroiters- this became Idlewild! 
 
Known as the "Black Eden of Michigan", Idlewild thrived between the years of both World Wars. Bringing as many as 25,000 people to northwest Michigan each summer - it was one of the only resorts in the US where Blacks could own property. By the 1940s, the Idlewild Land Owners Association had Black members from over 34 states. W.E.B. Du Bois, Madame C.J. Walker and Rev. Robert L. Bradley Sr of Second Baptist Church of Detroit were all notable property owners.
 
Like Detroit's Paradise Valley, summers in Idlewild brought some of the best musical acts to its seasonal venues including the Purple Palace, the Flamingo and Paradise Club. A stop on the historic "Chitlin Circuit", Idlewild hosted acts such as Detroit's own Lavern Baker, Della Reese, Aretha Franklin and Dinah Washington. B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller were regulars during the season as well. Black Eden, indeed.
 
Following the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Idlewild, like other resorts which catered to Black Americans during this period across the nation, began to decline. Vegas, and coastal beaches east and west opened up to all, reducing the numbers of travels to Michigan. The national recession of the 1970s and a shift of automotive jobs going back south in the 1980's/90s brought most leisure travel in Idlewild to a standstill. 

But not all is lost. Over the last 10-15 years, youngins have picked up where our elders/ancestors left off. Families that were able to hold on to their properties are making investments into redevelopment. Experience Idlewild continues, through social media, to promote these successes with several festivals and camping excursions taking place throughout the summer season.

So what better way to pay homage to Black Eden than with the debut of our Summer Blend: Idlewild. A curated blend of two peaberry microlots from Brazil and India, Idlewild has tasting notes of stone fruits, lavender and chocolate. Perfect for those late summer nights or early mornings.