#TheNewNow Continues - Conversations with the Leaders of Diversity in Craft Beer - Part II
Last year I had the privilege of speaking to seven inspiring individuals who are disrupting the norm in craft beer, working relentlessly to improve diversity and inclusion in the industry. As I said then, there are so many people in craft beer doing amazing work, work that is not easy, to make craft beer a more inclusive community with room for everyone at the table. We at BAOS strive to continue to amplify diverse voices in beer and shine a light on the hard work they are doing to make the community a better place for everyone.
So I reached out to some more leaders who are championing the expansion of diversity and inclusion in the industry, not to mention brewing and enjoying great craft beer! I asked them how they got into beer, what inspired them to start their platforms, and what they’re working on now. We also talked about the different ways the craft beer industry has responded following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the protests against police brutality and racism, how the industry has shown genuine support for BIPOC communities or failed to do so, and where the industry still has room to grow.
Like last time, this group of inspiring individuals is not even close to exhaustive. I aim to keep talking to more people championing diversity in beer, and learning about the amazing work they’re doing. I strongly encourage you to read on. If you don’t know who these wonderful humans are already, check out their work, follow them on social media, listen and learn.
Denise Bronner - Kinky Sudz
Danii Oliver - American Woman In Beer
Ralph Marion - Beered Black Man
Chalonda White - Afro Beer Chick
Chris Hughes - Thee Craft Beer Connoisseur
Denise Bronner
PhD, Cicerone CBS, Founder of Kinky Sudz and SudSutra.
Detroit, MI
Photo by Denise Bronner.
What got you into craft beer as a consumer?
I got into craft beer back in 2011 due to tasting the delicious Guinness. I was so shocked that a beer could be dark and have such strong roasted and chocolatey notes that it prompted me to go and seek out more beer. That really opened a blackhole that I know I will never escape because beer speaks to my creative and scientific side so much.
What prompted you to start Kinky Sudz? What’s your mission?
There are so many beer accounts on IG – majority focus on beer reviews and highlight their personal journey through homebrewing or starting a brewery. I saw very few that looked at beer from a scientific lens, especially from a Black scientist! I have a PhD in microbiology and strong interest in technology, art, music, and pop culture. I wanted to create a brand that would educate people about beer in a fun and concise way. Using references to comics, movies, and art, I will highlight how technology and science drive the creation of beer through my blog series and funny posts. My mission is to wear my natural kinky crown and redefine what it means to be a craft beer drinker and scientist because both are heavily dominated by white men.
What projects are you working on right now?
I have a few in the pipeline: (1) currently writing a book called the Fro in the Room and it is a collection of stories from a plethora of beautiful Black people that serve various functions in the craft beer industry – influencer, brewer, sales, photography, writer, activist, music, podcasts, and travel; (2) rolling out my blog series entitled SudSutra which covers the use of AI, beer influence on our immune system and microbiome, novel brewing techniques, the evolution of hops/yeasts, people/brewery highlights, and many more; and (3) launching my merchandise line of apparel and glassware that will have funny sayings and artwork illustrated by Black artists.
In the weeks following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, amid nationwide and global protests against police brutality, there have been a wide range of responses from breweries, ranging from absolutely nothing, posting a black square with no caption and then returning to business as usual, short copy & paste statements, full statements of support, charitable donations, new initiatives, and everything in between. What kind of responses have you found to be the most impactful for conveying genuine support for the Black community and BIPOC members of the craft beer community?
The most impactful have been breweries that have not only stated their support but have actually put their money and effort into the cause. Many are selling beers and donating the proceeds to organizations, doing an internal assessment and creating plans to incorporate change, removing individuals from their organizations that commit racist acts, and having those conversations about how to create an environment not only in their taproom but in their brewing space that is welcoming to Blacks and other POCs. I know that there are some breweries that just posted to make sure they didn’t get called out – BUT WE SEE YOU! Some breweries jumped on the bandwagon saying “we stand with you” and sold beers with sayings related to the cause which helped them boost sales. This should not be a time for increasing profit margins. This should be a time of reflection, reengineering, and doing the work.
What would you like to see from breweries going forward to show a commitment to continuous improvement of diversity and inclusion, and genuine support for the BIPOC community?
Many breweries will hire Black people to come in and help with their diversity and inclusion initiatives. That’s awesome but BLACK PEOPLE HAVE MORE TO OFFER! Give Black people the opportunity to be a brewer, taproom manager, sales manager, and/or marketing expert. Give them the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and creativity beyond teaching you how to be a decent human being. Create a space that once hired that they feel safe and not the odd man out. Include more Black people in your marketing campaigns and bring them in to do food pairings beyond the conventional BJCP suggestions. We can add more than just color and the latest pop culture craze. So, I call breweries to utilize the untapped resource that has been overlooked and discredited for far too long.
Danii Oliver
a.k.a. American Woman in Beer, Founder and CEO of BEERSGIVING, Head Brewer and Owner of: Island to Island Brewery, House of Juice Brand, Brooklyn Jun Brew.
Fort Worth, TX
Photo by Danii Oliver.
What got you into craft beer as a consumer?
As a consumer, the possibilities of what could be made into beer and how diverse beer was, even from what was available on shelves back in the early 2000s, is what got me into craft beer. The variations of flavor Sam Adams was putting out, as a mixologist fascinated me along the journey of my alcohol studies. Beer education was not a thing I had access to. I had to teach myself and explore by myself. That self-driven education is what led me down the rabbit hole as a consumer.
What prompted you to start Island to Island Brewery, all your beverage brands, and your platform as American Woman in Beer? What’s your mission?
Oh my. What prompted me to start Island to Island Brewery, all my beverage brands and the American Woman in Beer platform are all different but rooted in serving the underserved. I believe firstly, my motivation to hold ownership in the beverage industry started with my love for mixology. Island to Island Brewery was built from my mixologist goals to bring people together with well crafted “Liquid Paintings”. “No One is an Island”, is the mission of Island to Island Brewery, the idea being that the company would bring people together from one metaphorical island to another. It has ALWAYS been about welcoming the disenfranchised through the doors.
Growing up, I witnessed opposing family members come together over bottles of beer. Those were the happiest times of my life filled with laughter, banter, music, and beers. Somewhere along the line, the spirit of togetherness was lost. People were getting sloshed on booze in the world. And don’t get me started on the American food system and what passes as ingestible, or dare I say edible.
I got frustrated by being denied entry to bars while pregnant. I got frustrated about there being real food, healthy ingredients used in drinks. I realized I could not complain. I needed to build a solution.
My company Juice and Jin focuses on real food or natural produce to craft well-made beverages in all categories. I’d been a private mixologist for a decade when I conceived of House Of Juice which would go on to make non-alcoholic juices, smoothies and kombucha. The idea is to welcome in customers who wanted to socialize in classic New York Bar culture and atmospheres but without shame for what was in their glasses. I have had the pleasure of serving pregnant women, men in sobriety and children lounging with their parents. The greatest prompt for House Of Juice was to serve those who were not being thought of. Naturally, my customer base comes from all walks of life because of this.
Brooklyn Jun Brew is a premium brand of probiotics crafted from the most healthfully beneficial ingredients known to humans and bees. I am limited on what I can LEGALLY claim about probiotics as a manufacturer. However, as a natural healer, this recipe is a total body tonic that supports gut, immune, and physical health. There are many published facts about honey and probiotics.
In the wave of brands mimicking the tartness of probiotics but not having them in the drinks, Brooklyn Jun Brew remains true to the recipe as it offers my customers a bubbly social beverage while getting a dose of food as medicine. As a natural healer, it’s my purpose to offer assistance where I can.
Island to Island was a natural progression of all the brands. The beers and ciders are simply fermented juices allowed to become alcoholic naturally and on purpose. I started out with the intent to make one thing, but legal and authoritative bureaucracy held up the process for 2 years. By the time I was able to sell my first batch of beer, folks were confused and dropped off. I lost some health customers to confusion about how alcohol and health could go together.
The brands had their own messaging, their own voice to speak to their target audience. But people in New York City who were aware of me didn’t think a brown-skinned, mixed, immigrant had the right to own more than one brand. They saw me as the Black cleaning lady. I never wanted my brands to be about me. I never wanted my face out there. But no one would cover my business’s beverage news because I was brown unless they could write about my brown skin. Thinking about tokenism is so frustrating.
Anyway, I leaned in. I took the offers for “who is the owner” stories. It was the only way my brands could gain awareness at the time. Building the American Woman in Beer brand is my platform to combat the assumptions people make when they look at me. American Woman in Beer is there to educate away ignorance and stereotypes. I figured that by building a reputation I could showcase my knowledge and experience to earn respect and offer leadership and insight to those who are hungry from BIPOC pioneers.
I did this all so that my brands (which feed my children full-time) could get the time of day white brands get all day long. But I never wanted to do it. I never wanted to show my face. Honestly if House of Juice customers knew who I was, the company would have been broke. When a white man and woman show up in front of my brands, business floods in. When I show up… well, welcome to 2020, we are all aware now!
All in all, I know the impact of the work I have done over the past 15 years. I looked back on the successes of Taproom 642 as we closed it down. We as a company hit every goal, broke records, made history, left a mark and as some have said, a void.
No one understands how important my AMERICAN is.
I recognize why my WOMBMYN physicality is important to so many people. The discrimination they and I face has no outlet or safe space to be shared and worked through.
I recognize why some people place importance on my SKIN yet others fail to see the discrimination of it.
I recognize how important and powerful BEER is to so many people.
So now I leaned all the way into what I am. An Indigenous AMERICAN WOMAN IN BEER addressing all these avenues in one voice with a goal for 20/20 vision and respect.
BEERSGIVING is specifically my educational STEM focus to diversify the craft beer world once and for all. Since going down this rabbit hole, myself and dozens of other non-white pioneers have made space for others, but there is still work to do. Since people are coming to me I am kind of obligated to not be silent, not hoard knowledge and hold open the door for others who can’t get in elsewhere. It is a humbling responsibility that I do not want but can not deny because folks see my skin and breasts and they gravitate.
Each of my brands were prompted by the need to serve those who were disenfranchised; each one has and continues to serve that purpose through product, education, events and messaging, albeit they are all bootstrap built and in need of investors.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now I am in the process of launching the Texas headquarters. No announcements have been made yet due to COVID shutdowns and the Governor’s sweeping discriminatory closures after the safe phased reopening of the state. Common sense laws have taken decades to pass, yet COVID has shown us new laws can be drafted and mandated without notice within 3 hours. Thus, projects are difficult to plan out since what was possible this winter, events, have been banned and what was legal yesterday, bars, have been closed indefinitely.
My 2020 goals were to travel the country on a tour to diversify craft beer while my new facility was being built. Now it’s simply staying true to the goals in any way possible. BEERSGIVING may not be on tour but I have been training people from civilian and military families in Texas. I have been teaching the STEM aspects of the industry to people of all ages. It has a leg to stand on since boldly announcing to the nation that diversity was possible within one year’s time. “I was sure folks wouldn’t laugh at that BEERSGIVING statement in 2021 the way they laughed at it in 2019! Alas that doesn’t look like it will be the case. Paper thin media plugs have watered down efforts to bring about diversity and folks are sharing sponsorship dollars with large companies for a tax write off.”
The beverage brand events are nil at this time, preventing my bread and butter income. I am still putting one foot in front of the other to get production back up and running to be ready to hit the ground running when the new normal is achieved.
In the weeks following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, amid nationwide and global protests against police brutality, there have been a wide range of responses from breweries, ranging from absolutely nothing, posting a black square with no caption and then returning to business as usual, short copy & paste statements, full statements of support, charitable donations, new initiatives, and everything in between. What kind of responses have you found to be the most impactful for conveying genuine support for the BIPOC communities and BIPOC members of the craft beer community?
No comment at this time. I think it is too soon to sing praises. There are squares online then there's the work that must take place beyond a website popup frame.
As a woman who has been penalized for speaking out against "-isms" while doing the work, I can see the difference between media hype and policy in practice. The remainder of 2020 will show us who is in practice and what impact they have.
BEERSGIVING is out here training BIPOC, LGBTQ, Military family members and young people in the STEM aspects of the industry. Yet, even the impact of this organization still has 6 months to be quantified. In the midst of COVID the intended reach without ample funding is limited.
What would you like to see from breweries going forward to show a commitment to continuous improvement of diversity and inclusion, and genuine support for BIPOC communities?
I want to see the initiatives that BEERSGIVING has laid out implemented in every brewery even remotely interested in diversity, inclusion and genuine support for BIPOC communities. It is in their favor to help increase the pool they can tap into from a STEM and Trade Talent retention perspective to a consumer perspective. I know I am giving away my own niche here as a business owner. However, I, as one person, cannot serve the nation without amazing talented people who want to earn more, reach more people and achieve the goals they have.
Goal achievement comes from access to resources, education, training, opportunities to prove yourself and WIDE OPEN DOORS THAT ARE WELCOMING. BEERSGIVING has laid out a multi-step plan to help achieve this 2020 dream with Family welcoming parties, Kids STEM events, Barrel-Aged Conversation networking, Industry professional mentor pairings and beer tourism retreats. Take one or use them all in succession. Coupled with BEERSGIVING’s insight on BIPOC communities, breweries can and will see a positive impact.
I believe action is more important and impactful than posturing behind a single brew that pays a non-BIPOC to make it then does nothing professionally for BIPOC in the industry, in their customer base or in their backyard.
Web Danii Oliver | Island to Island Brewery | BEERSGIVING
Instagram American Woman in Beer | Island to Island Brewery | BEERSGIVING
Twitter Danii Oliver | Island to Island Brewery | BEERSGIVING
Facebook Island to Island Brewery | BEERSGIVING
October Feature: Why One of New York’s Most Innovative Brewers Decided to Pack Her Bags for Texas
Ralph Marion
a.k.a. Beered Black Man.
Birmingham, AL
Photo courtesy of Beered Black Man.
What got you into craft beer as a consumer?
I was first introduced to craft beer during my college years in Birmingham, Alabama. I hung out with some friends at a local bar called The J Clyde. It was, at that time, the only craft beer joint in our area. Over 60+ beers on draft with an even better bottle selection. Once I started to see that beer could actually have flavor and there were so many different styles, I was sold.
What prompted you to start your platform as Beered Black Man? What’s your mission?
The idea for Beered Black Man started one day at a local brewery. I was enjoying a brewski at Good People Brewing here in Birmingham, AL when I noticed that I was the only Black person there. It made me realize how many times that was the case for me. It also made me think about how anyone else that looked like me might feel in that situation. So I came up with the idea of Beered Black Man, a platform to show my love for craft beer and my journey within the craft beer industry and community.
What projects are you working on right now?
The main things I’ve done so far have been three different collaborations with local breweries. I wanted to go out there and show that not only do Black people enjoy a well-crafted beer but we can make some damn good brews as well. I’m also hoping to do a panel here in Birmingham to help showcase other Black people in the craft beer industry in the city. So many ideas, but so little time.
In the weeks following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, amid nationwide and global protests against police brutality, there have been a wide range of responses from breweries, ranging from absolutely nothing, posting a black square with no caption and then returning to business as usual, short copy & paste statements, full statements of support, charitable donations, new initiatives, and everything in between. What kind of responses have you found to be the most impactful for conveying genuine support for the Black community and BIPOC members of the craft beer community?
I see genuine support from breweries that have been a part of the “Black Is Beautiful” initiative. It’s great to see so many breweries brew a beer with the message it has and then donate the proceeds to a charity. This is a great thing the breweries are doing, but I hope they will continue on after all of this is done.
What would you like to see from breweries going forward to show a commitment to continuous improvement of diversity and inclusion, and genuine support for the BIPOC community?
Going back to the previous question, it’s great that people are wanting to do stuff to show support for the BIPOC community. Thing is that we can’t let this just stop after all of the current support. If anything, this is just the first step. I want to see more breweries show how they can make their place more inclusive and welcoming to BIPOC. I want to see more representation on their social media platforms. I want to see ways they can give back to their communities, especially in areas that are predominately BIPOC. I just want to know that they are true with this movement and not just trying to join in on a trend.
Chalonda White
a.k.a. Afro Beer Chick, Host of This Chick Talks Beer podcast, co-host of The Neat Pour podcast.
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy of Afro Beer Chick.
What got you into craft beer as a consumer?
My husband introduced me to craft beer. I had no idea it was a thing before I took a sip of Goose Island's Sofie. After the first taste, I continually chased the chase of various styles. I started out with mostly Belgians and my palette began to change to acquire more flavors. I must say that porters are still not my jam. I have not had one to change my mind as of yet.
What prompted you to start your platform Afro Beer Chick, and subsequently This Chick Talks Beer Podcast? What’s your mission?
I wanted to share a Black woman's perspective on beer, especially since it wasn't as many of us at first. I'm glad to see that it is growing constantly. As far as the podcast, I wanted to speak up on the changes I feel the industry could make in order to make progress in diversity. We need to break the myth that Black people do not enjoy craft beer. There is an entire community. While I am not the sole voice for this community, I wanted to be a contributing voice. There is much work that needs to be done. We need more support of Black-owned breweries, more Black brewers. We need to be taken more seriously. This is why I have those platforms, hopefully, to help the newcomers in the industry and show them to walk this path with confidence.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, just focusing on the podcast as well as working on getting more Black brewers. I've also recently started a bourbon podcast called The Neat Pour with my husband. Lol just something else to justify my drinking.
In the weeks following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, amid nationwide and global protests against police brutality, there have been a wide range of responses from breweries, ranging from absolutely nothing, posting a black square with no caption and then returning to business as usual, short copy & paste statements, full statements of support, charitable donations, new initiatives, and everything in between. What kind of responses have you found to be the most impactful for conveying genuine support for the Black community and BIPOC members of the craft beer community?
At this point statements are just words, I would like to see actions. Do not just talk about diversity and inclusion. Implement it. Do not be afraid to publicly show support for the cause. I've seen quite a few breweries step up to the plate. I am loving what Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls has done with the Black is Beautiful beer. He has created a movement. I am also happy to see breweries who have participated, and are showing their receipts for donations. This is not a movement to profit off of us.
What would you like to see from breweries going forward to show a commitment to continuous improvement of diversity and inclusion, and genuine support for the BIPOC community?
As I've stated earlier, I'd like to see more support of Black-owned breweries. It's easy to push money to charities, but let’s start bringing the Black youth that are interested in this industry into the fold and start teaching them. It would be really dope if there were more internship opportunities for BIPOC. I would also like to see less selective outrage. I'm not digging the outrage for attention. It seems fake to me, especially if they change nothing after the fact.
Instagram Afro Beer Chick | This Chick Talks Beer Podcast
Twitter Afro Beer Chick | This Chick Talks Beer Podcast
Chris Hughes
a.k.a. Craft Beer Chris, a.k.a. Thee Craft Beer Connoisseur.
Atlanta, GA
Photo by Craft Beer Chris.
What got you into craft beer as a consumer?
When I first was introduced to beer, I could not acquire the taste! It wasn't until right after college that my friends had enough of me with my anti-beer sentiments, and shoved a craft beer in my face. It was Unibroue - La Fin Du Monde, and it was my first introduction to craft. I had no idea beer could taste like that! From there, I began my beer journey, trying every craft beer at my local liquor store that I could find.
What prompted you to start your platform Craft Beer Chris / Thee Craft Beer Connoisseur? What’s your mission?
When I originally began my blog, it was just to keep a record of the new and unique beers I would try. After a while, I began to expand my knowledge of craft beer and started branching out to local breweries for beers instead of store bought beer. One day a good friend of mine got curved by his date because he couldn't pick out a craft beer, and he came to me for help. From then on out, it seemed as though everyone turned to me as the go-to person for all things craft beer! That's when I realized how important it was to use my influence and knowledge of craft beer to get others who don't drink craft or beer at all, on board with the craft beer movement.
What projects are you working on right now?
With us being in the midst of the pandemic, many things for me have been up in the air. I am in the works of doing my first beer collaboration with a local brewery this year, and introducing my first beer share series. I've also been dedicating time to expanding a beer group my friends and I started, Craft Women Connect, outside of the Greater Atlanta area.
In the weeks following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, amid nationwide and global protests against police brutality, there have been a wide range of responses from breweries, ranging from absolutely nothing, posting a black square with no caption and then returning to business as usual, short copy & paste statements, full statements of support, charitable donations, new initiatives, and everything in between. What kind of responses have you found to be the most impactful for conveying genuine support for the Black community and BIPOC members of the craft beer community?
Craft beer is all about community. If you want to show up in a major way, I believe it starts with reaching the people in your community first. I'm a Black woman, so the realities of prejudice, racism and judgement are everyday for me. I really appreciated the responses from my local breweries like Wild Heaven Beer, that immediately made efforts to collaborate with a local Black organization (RCIE - The Russel Center) and create a beer for a charitable cause. Every proceed and sale of that beer went to RCIE, and they had a hand in every step and process for brewing/creating the "Silence Is Betrayal" beer.
What would you like to see from breweries going forward to show a commitment to continuous improvement of diversity and inclusion, and genuine support for the BIPOC community?
For breweries in my community, and that I spend with, I say continue doing what you have already been doing! Since I've been a part of the ATL beer scene, I've seen breweries collaborate and offer opportunities to many minorities, women and Black people consistently. Monday Night, Arches Brewing and Reformation are just a handful of breweries that have made many efforts to truly diversify their taprooms. For other breweries that are wondering where to fit in, or how to show their solidarity during these times. Reach out to your local influencers and bloggers, and START THE CONVERSATION! We all have to start somewhere, and sometimes you have to let your right intentions lead the way. As I always say, beer is the bridge!
The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd (among FAR too many others), and the worldwide protests against racism and police brutality in the weeks that followed, have been a sobering reminder that the craft beer industry still has a very long way to go. It forces us to question what it really means to be a craft beer “community”, and how are we really showing up for everyone in that community?
Diversity is not a box to check, and supporting BIPOC communities is not accomplished by words and then returning to business as usual. It’s a continuous effort. It will be uncomfortable. We’ll make mistakes. We have to listen, learn, and do the work. There can be no more business as usual. There can be no sticking to beer. This is not “their fight”. If we claim to be allies, it’s our fight too. Regardless of which side of the bar we’re on, we have a responsibility to listen and learn, and we have to do the work. We have to do better.
People of Colour drink beer, brew beer, and love beer. Black Lives Matter.
I would like to say an ENORMOUS thank you to Denise, Danii, Ralph, Chalonda and Chris for participating in this piece. It was an absolute pleasure to speak to all of you. I sincerely hope to get the chance to have a beer with all of you in person one day. Until then, socially distanced high fives, hugs and cheers all around!
Check out last year’s piece, Introducing #TheNewNow: Conversations with the Leaders of Diversity in Craft Beer where I talked to:
Ren Navarro - Beer. Diversity.
Teo Hunter - Crowns & Hops
Latiesha Cook - Beer Kulture
Eric Jackson - Uncap Everything / The Capsoul Collective
Arie Peters - Black Mermaid
Brandon Montgomery - Black Beer Travelers,
and Ale Sharpton
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned! More conversations to come!
Nathan
Nathan is a craft beer enthusiast from Ottawa, ON. He is the Co-Founder of @TeamLactose, he’s passionate about travelling for beer and he loves talking about beer from Ontario, Quebec and beyond.