Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Oklahoma’s First Black-Owned Soda Brand
Since launching in December 2023, Jamel Stephens, the founder of Afropop, Oklahoma’s only Black-owned soda company, has been struggling to keep up with demand as his craft sodas continue to sell out. Featuring all-natural ingredients and bold, culturally inspired flavors, Afropop is already making a name for itself across the state. With availability in Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow, the brand is growing rapidly as it taps into the booming craft soda market, projected to reach $600 billion by 2030.
Afropop is more than just a beverage—it’s a statement. Each soda can proudly features a Black woman on the label, symbolizing the brand’s unapologetic commitment to representation. “We wanted to create something that celebrates Black culture in a way that’s both authentic and powerful,” said Stephens. “Afropop isn’t just about great taste—it’s about identity, creativity, and reclaiming space in an industry where we’ve been historically overlooked.” With flavors like Grandma’s House, a butterscotch cream soda, and Blvcker The Berry, a deep berry blend, each soda tells a unique story.According to The Black Wall Street Times, Stephens, who grew up in rural Oklahoma, views Afropop as more than a business—it’s an extension of his artistic vision. Collaborating with local artists, he ensures that each can serves as a canvas for cultural expression. “Afrofuturism is at the heart of Afropop,” he explained. “It’s about freedom, storytelling, and honoring our roots while looking forward to the future.” His goal is to foster creativity within the Black community by using his brand as a platform for artists, storytellers, and visionaries.
Afropop continues the legacy of Black-owned soda companies in Oklahoma, tracing its roots back to 1918 when Percy and Hattie James founded Jay-Kola, the state’s first Black-owned soda brand. Born out of necessity during segregation, Jay-Kola provided an alternative when mainstream brands refused to serve Black communities. “A century later, we still don’t see the representation we deserve in this industry,” said Stephens. “Afropop exists to challenge that and change the narrative.”
Despite being a newcomer to the industry, Stephens already envisions a broader impact beyond just selling soda. Inspired by a personal encounter at Eastside Pizza in Oklahoma City—where a customer expressed how much seeing a Black-owned soda meant to him—Stephens realized Afropop was part of something much bigger. “That moment solidified for me that this isn’t just about soda. It’s about visibility, empowerment, and giving people something they can see themselves in,” he said.
Looking ahead, Afropop plans to expand its reach while continuing to uplift Black creatives through scholarships, grants, and collaborations. “The three pillars of Afropop are craft, creativity, and culture,” said Stephens. “We’re here to create more than just a drink—we’re building a movement.” For more information and to find a can near you, visit Afropop’s website and experience a taste of culture in every sip.
Support the brand at AfroPopCo.com
Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @AfroPopCo
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