Minnesota native Majka Burhardt to share tale of coffee and hope in Ethiopia at Bell Museum of Natural History Sept. 21

What: "Coffee Story: Ethiopia" presentation by author Majka Burhardt, followed by panel discussion
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. Cost: $10 public, $8 members and U of M students/faculty
Where: U of M Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. www.bellmuseum.org or (612) 624-7083

Can a nation with a history of famine, drought and war, change its global image into one of power and prosperity? Majka Burhardt believes Ethiopia can do so, by embracing the heritage and potential of its defining crop—coffee.

Burhardt will share her message at the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural History in a presentation on food anthropology, development, adventure and the impact of coffee on world politics and global understanding. The event, held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, is part of a series of events supporting the museum’s current exhibit, “Coffee: The World in Your Cup” and marks the release of Burhardt’s latest book, "Coffee Story: Ethiopia."

A world-traveling writer, climber and guide originally from Minnesota, Burhardt’s interest in Ethiopian coffee culture was piqued during her many climbing trips to the country. According to Burhardt, “I truly believe that if you take this crop that is the most valuable thing Ethiopia has and you attach it to richness, whether that’s cultural richness or commodity richness, then Ethiopia is going to be better off in the long run.” Burhardt’s writing on Ethiopia has appeared in Forbes.com in addition to her work being featured in national news programs, radio shows, magazines and newspapers throughout the world.

A panel discussion with Burhardt and representatives from Peace Coffee and Café Imports will follow the presentation, as well as a book signing of "Coffee Story: Ethiopia."

The Bell Museum is part of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and strives to advance the quest to discover, document and understand life in its many forms and to inspire curiosity, delight and informed stewardship of the natural world. For details, visit bellmuseum.org.

“Coffee: The World in Your Cup” was organized by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle. Major sponsorship is provided by the Boeing Company, Microsoft Corp., Starbucks Coffee Co. and the University of Washington.

Hosted by the Bell Museum of Natural History. This event is sponsored by Peace Coffee, with additional support from Osprey Packs.

• © 2009-2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
• The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer
• Last modified on September 14, 2011