By Kelsi Bowen

Brooklyn Tea is a Black-owned shop blending tea culture with the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. Co-owner Alfonso “Ali” Wright shares his journey of starting the shop alongside his wife, Jamila Wright, and how they overcame challenges during the pandemic. From humble beginnings, Brooklyn Tea is now sold in over 100 Target stores, with the Wrights dreaming of even more expansion. Their story is one of resilience and community as they turn their brewing dreams into reality.

Kelsi Bowen is a senior at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan. She is President of her school’s Black Student Alliance and Captain of her school’s Step Team. She has hosted three “Black Hair Care” workshops at her school where she navigated students from all grades through wash days, the history of how to go about protective styles, and debunking myths around Black Hair. When she isn’t studying or stepping, she’s either braiding or binge watching Teen Titans (2003) (the best one!!!!!)

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.