Maskela, a coffee farmer from Ethiopia, will discuss how fair trade coffee benefits farmers by guaranteeing a living wage for their harvests.

Two student groups, Coalition for a Humane And New Global Economy and the Late Night Christian Fellowship, are sponsoring the event.

Megan Zimmerman, a member of the Late Night Christian Fellowship, said in press release that the group supports fair trade coffee because, "Buying fair trade coffee is an amazing way we can join in a relationship with the people who grow our coffee to make economic justice and sustainable living a reality."

The group said fair trade coffee allows farmers to re-invest in their communities and provide a better standard of living for their families.

The Late Night Christian Fellowship announced plans last week to begin a campaign to encourage coffee venders at Kent State, such as Jazzman's, to only sell fair trade coffee.

Meskela and members of the of the Late Night Christian Fellowship will meet with Dining Services Director Andrea Spandonis today at 3:30 p.m. in the Flashcard Office to discuss the sale of fair trade coffee at Kent State.

Maskela is part of a nationwide speaking tour sponsored by Global Exchange, an international human rights group.

Samples of fair trade coffee will be served at the event tonight and available for sale.