National Black Brewers Association

The National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) stands as a pivotal non-profit organization committed to addressing the significant disparities faced by Black individuals within the American brewing industry. Established in February 2023, the NB2A works to bridge the opportunity gap for African-American brewers and brewery owners by providing essential resources, education, and advocacy. Its formation represents a landmark moment, being the first trade organization of its kind specifically for Black producers in the craft beverage sector.

Formation and Founding Principles

The genesis of the National Black Brewers Association emerged from a critical need to increase diversity and equity in an industry where Black representation, particularly in ownership, has historically been minimal. Despite the craft brewing business accounting for a substantial portion of the U.S. beer industry's revenue, only about 1% of the nearly 10,000 craft brewers in the country are Black individuals. This stark statistic highlighted an urgent need for dedicated support and advocacy.

The NB2A was founded by Kevin Johnson, owner of Oak Park Brewery, in February 2023. The official launch was announced at the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, signifying a collective determination among Black entrepreneurs to transform the industry landscape. The organization was conceived not just to connect individuals who love beer, but to actively work with brands and facilitate partnerships, ensuring that Black people see themselves reflected and empowered within the brewing world.

Mission and Core Goals

As a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit, the NB2A's mission is multifaceted, focusing on creating a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry. The association outlines five primary goals that guide its efforts:

Promoting the Black brewing community: This involves elevating the visibility and celebrating the contributions of Black brewers and Black-owned breweries across the nation.
Increasing the number of African American individuals in the brewing industry: The NB2A specifically aims to boost Black representation at all levels of production, with a particular emphasis on ownership and brewmasters.
Exercising influence by developing and advocating for effective policies: This goal focuses on systemic change, working with stakeholders to address disparities and promote policies that support economic equity for Black brewers.
Serving as a centralized clearinghouse for business advice, mentorship, training, workforce development, education, and communication: The NB2A provides practical resources to equip Black brewing professionals with the tools needed to succeed.
Fostering historical context and legacy surrounding African American influence on brewing in the United States: By educating on the rich legacy of Black brewers, the organization seeks to bring African Americans into full involvement with the broader American brewing industry and community.

Key Initiatives and Programs

To achieve its ambitious goals, the National Black Brewers Association implements a range of programs and initiatives designed to provide comprehensive support to its members:

Economic Empowerment

A core pillar of the NB2A's work is economic empowerment. The association offers workshops focused on crucial business management skills, marketing strategies, and financial planning. These programs are designed to equip Black brewing professionals with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the brewing industry and foster thriving businesses.

Inclusive Networking

Recognizing the importance of connections, the NB2A facilitates networking events that link Black brewing industry professionals with wholesalers, suppliers, educators, and seasoned industry veterans. These events foster a supportive ecosystem, promoting mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices among members.

Advocacy for Change

The NB2A actively engages in advocacy to create systemic change. By working closely with policymakers and partner organizations, the association aims to address existing disparities and champion policies that promote economic equity and ensure that the voices of Black brewers are heard and valued within the industry.

Education and Training

Education is fundamental to the NB2A's mission. The organization is dedicated to providing access to transformative education and training opportunities. This includes knowledge sharing, recruiting Black professionals into the industry, and offering various educational resources to enhance professional skills and advancement.

Black Brewery Directory and 'Black is Beautiful Vol. 2'

The NB2A maintains a directory of Black-owned breweries in North America and beyond, helping consumers identify and support these businesses. Furthermore, the association has benefited from initiatives like the 'Black is Beautiful Vol. 2' campaign. The original 'Black is Beautiful' initiative was launched in 2020 by Weathered Souls Brewing Co. to support equality and social justice. The second volume of this collaborative effort pledged 100% of its proceeds to benefit the National Black Brewers Association, providing significant funding and publicity.

Leadership and Community Engagement

The NB2A is led by a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brewmasters from across the country. Kevin Asato, a veteran of the beverage industry, serves as the association’s first executive director. Notable founding board members include Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing Co., Celeste Beatty of Harlem Brewery (recognized as the first Black female brewer in the United States), Clarence Boston of Hippin' Hops Brewery, Alisa Bowens-Mercado of Rhythm Brewing Co., Denis Ford-Sawadogo of Montclair Brewery, Chris Harris of Black Frog Brewery, Rodney Hines of Métier Brewing, Aaron Hose of One Pint at a Time, and Teo Hunter of Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.

The involvement of such influential figures underscores the collective dedication to creating a more inclusive and diverse brewing culture. The NB2A's engagement extends to outreach programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects, all aimed at uplifting Black industry professionals and fostering a vibrant community.

Impact and Future Outlook

The establishment of the NB2A marks a crucial step in addressing the historical underrepresentation of Black individuals in the brewing industry. The organization proudly champions the growing presence of Black-owned beer brands in the U.S., noting approximately 86 such brands. Through its programs, the NB2A seeks to enhance the entire industry's vibrancy, creativity, and success by ensuring full involvement of African Americans as both brewers and consumers.

The association continues to expand its reach, welcoming Black-owned businesses and professionals to join through membership. With ongoing support from corporate sponsorships, membership dues, and collaborative initiatives, the NB2A is poised to significantly impact the growth and sustainability of Black entrepreneurship in the brewing sector.