The Rise of Black Owned Craft Breweries in America
Introduction
Craft brewing has been a predominant industry in America for decades. The popularity of craft beer has grown exponentially over the years, with over eight thousand craft breweries operating in the United States, employing more than one hundred and sixty thousand people. However, the industry has been predominantly dominated by white owners and brewers. As it turns out, a new wave of black-owned craft breweries is challenging the status quo and rising to national prominence.
A History of African Americans in the Craft Brewing Industry
African Americans have a long history in the brewing industry, dating back to the 1700s, where slaves were forced to brew beer for their masters. As the years went by, African Americans continued to work in the brewing industry, but never got the chance to own their own breweries.
It wasn’t until 2010 when Garrett Oliver, the brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, published a piece titled, “The Color of Beer.” In the article, Oliver acknowledged that black people had been involved in brewing for centuries but were mostly overlooked. His piece inspired a lot of people, including Marcus Baskerville, co-founder of Weathered Souls Brewing Company, to start their own breweries.
The Establishment Of National Black Brewers Association
In 2018, Marcus Baskerville, working in collaboration with other black brewery owners, started a Facebook group for black brewers and industry professionals. With time, the group grew to over one hundred members, and the idea of a formal organization was born.
The National Black Brewers Association (NBBA) was officially established in June 2020, aiming to provide a platform for black-owned breweries to connect and collaborate. The association provides resources such as mentorship, discounts, and scholarships to its members. It also aims to increase diversity and inclusion efforts within the craft brewing industry through education and advocacy.
Black-Owned Breweries To Watch Out For
There are so many amazing black-owned breweries in the United States. Here are a few that you must check out:
1. Weathered Souls Brewing Co. – San Antonio, Texas
2. Dope & Dank Brewery – Tampa, Florida
3. Crowns and Hops Brewing Co. – Inglewood, California
4. Black Frog Brewery – Holland, Ohio
5. Harlem Brewing Company – New York, New York
The Future of Black-Owned Breweries in America
As the craft beer industry continues to grow, the future for black-owned breweries looks bright. The National Black Brewers Association is an excellent resource for black brewery owners to share their knowledge and help each other grow. More importantly, the association is promoting diversity and inclusion in an industry that has been predominantly white.
In conclusion, the rise of black-owned craft breweries is a significant step forward towards creating a more inclusive and diverse craft brewing industry. With the establishment of the National Black Brewers Association, black brewery owners have an opportunity to create a community that supports each other and advocate for a more inclusive industry. As beer enthusiasts, we should embrace and support these new black-owned breweries to create a better future for our industry.
