Every October 10th, the beverage industry turns its attention to a crucial, often unsung chapter of American history: the profound and enduring contributions of Black Americans to the art of brewing. This date now officially marks National Black Brewers Day, an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the legacy of trailblazers and supporting the vibrant future of Black-owned breweries nationwide. This initiative, championed by the National Black Brewers Association (NBBA), is a significant step towards a more inclusive and historically accurate narrative in the craft beer world.
The roots of National Black Brewers Day run deep, commemorating a pivotal moment in 1970 when Theodore A. (Ted) Mack Sr. and his business associates achieved a monumental feat. On October 10th of that year, they celebrated the acquisition of Peoples Brewing Company in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This historic transaction not only made Mack the first Black brewery president in the United States but also established Peoples Brewing Company as the nation’s first Black-owned brewery. This pioneering achievement, often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts, laid essential groundwork for future generations of Black entrepreneurs in the industry.
The formal recognition of National Black Brewers Day in 2023 was a primary objective of the newly formed National Black Brewers Association (NBBA). Founded in February 2023 by Kevin Johnson, owner of Oak Park Brewery, the NBBA emerged with a clear mission: to create a more inclusive and dynamic beer industry. Its goals include promoting the Black brewing community, increasing Black representation at all levels of production—especially ownership and brewmasters—advocating for effective policies, and serving as a centralized resource for business advice, mentorship, and education. Crucially, the NBBA also aims to foster historical context and preserve the legacy of African American influence on brewing in the United States.
The history of Black brewing stretches far beyond 20th-century America. Evidence suggests that beer occupied a central role in pre-colonial West African religion and social life, a tradition that continued through the colonial era in America, where enslaved people often brought their brewing knowledge and skills. Despite this long and rich heritage, Black Americans represent only about 1% of brewery owners in the U.S., even though they account for approximately 12% of U.S. beer drinkers. This stark disparity highlights the persistent challenges, such as limited access to capital, that Black entrepreneurs face in the capital-intensive brewing industry.
Building Community and Inspiring Growth
National Black Brewers Day, alongside the ongoing work of the NBBA, aims to address these historical omissions and current inequities by providing a platform for celebration and empowerment. The association’s board comprises experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brewmasters, including prominent figures like Marcus Baskerville, founder of Weathered Souls Brewing Co.. Baskerville, known for initiating the impactful “Black is Beautiful” beer collaboration, embodies the spirit of community and advocacy that the NBBA champions.
The establishment of this day reinforces a growing movement within the craft beer community to amplify Black voices and foster economic growth. Events like the Barrel & Flow Fest, which we recently covered in “Craft Beer's Vibrant Future: Barrel & Flow Fest Celebrates Black Brewing Excellence and Community Growth,” bring together a diverse array of Black-owned breweries, showcasing their innovative brews and building stronger networks. On platforms like Indulge Black History, we proudly feature a growing roster of Black-owned breweries that are shaping the industry's future, such as Urban Garden Brewhouse, Black Viking Brewing, Spaceway Brewing, Black Horizon Brewing, Rhythm Brewing, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., and Roar Brewing Company, whose first-year celebration we highlighted in “Roar Brewing Company Celebrates First Year, Igniting Detroit's Craft Beer Scene.”
By dedicating October 10th to National Black Brewers Day, the industry not only honors the sacrifices and triumphs of past pioneers like Ted Mack Sr. but also galvanizes support for contemporary Black brewers who continue to break barriers and enrich the beverage landscape. It's a call to action for consumers and industry professionals alike to recognize, celebrate, and actively support the Black-owned breweries that are crafting a more equitable and flavorful future for beer in America.
Sources
- The Washington Beer Blog - National Black Brewers Day and the story of Peoples Brewing
- National Black Brewers Association - National Black Brewers Day
- The Black Wall Street Times - National Black Brewers Association Expands Black Ownership
Support Black-Owned Brands
Order spirits, wine, and more — delivered to your door.
Shop on Bottl.Service →