LET’S TALK ABOUT BLACK BREWERS

THE NATIONAL BLACK BREWERS ASSOCIATION

During the Black Brewers Conference on May 7-10 in Nashville, TN, the establishment of the National Black Brewers Association was announced. The first-of-its-kind non-profit organization is committed to:

• Promoting the Black Brewing Community
• Increasing the number of African American individuals in the brewing industry at all levels of production, ownership, and brew-masters
• Exercising influence by developing and advocating for effective policies
• Fostering historical context, and legacy surrounding African American influence on brewing in the US

Kevin Asato, Founder of NB²A and a 30-year veteran in the brewery industry, has been appointed the Executive Director.

“The launch of the National Black Brewers Association will create a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry by providing black brewers access to the resources, mentorships, and networks needed to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, founder of NB²A.

Asato brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, having previously held leadership roles at major beverage distributors nationwide.

“I am honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization, and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black Brewers of America,” said Asato.

BLACK BREWERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Marcus Baskerville, Weathered Souls Brewery, San Antonio, TX 
• Celeste Beatty, Harlem Brewing Company, NYC 
• Clarence Boston, Hippin’ Hops Brewing, Atlanta, GA
• Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Rhythm Brewing Co., Portsmouth, NH
• Denise Ford-Sawadogo, Montclair Brewery, Montclair, NJ 
• Rodney Hines, Métier Brewing Company, Seattle, WA 
• Chris Harris, Black Frog Brewery, Holland, OH
• Aaron Hosé, director of the acclaimed documentary “One Pint at a Time,” which illuminated the issues facing Black brewers and breweries
• Teo Hunter, Crowns & Hops, Inglewood, CA
• Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham, principal of Crafted For All, a professional organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the brewing industry 
• Khris Johnson, Green Bench Brewing Company, Tampa Bay, FL 
• Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY 
• Jon Renthrope, Cajun Fire Brewing Company, New Orleans, LA
• Dennis Malcolm Byron (AKA Ale Sharpton), Piano Keys, Atlanta, GA.  
• Kevin Johnson, Owner of Oak Park Brewery in Sacramento, CA.

“The launch of the National Black Brewers Association marks an important milestone for the beer industry,” said Beatty, the first black female brewer in the United States. “I am thrilled to see this organization come to life and am confident that it will serve as a valuable resource and support system for black brewers across the country.”

“It’s an honor to serve as a board member for the National Black Brewers Association and to use the entrepreneurial spirit and the production of innovative craft beer as a vehicle of socioeconomic change. Together, we can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beer industry and beyond,” said Renthrope.

Find out more about the National Brewers Association, upcoming events, and more at nationalblackbrewersassociation.org and follow them on Instagram.

_{SOURCE: National Black Brewers Association / PRnewswire}