Expanding the Landscape: How Black-Owned Breweries are Changing the Game

Vine Street Brewing Co. Transporting Vines Release Party | Transport Brewery

Photo: Vine Street Brewing Co. | BJ Sampson

When people think of the history of beer, they often picture medieval European monks brewing in monasteries. But the truth is, beer has been around for much longer than that, and it has a much more diverse history than most people realize. For example, the origins of beer can be traced back to ancient Africa, where people have been brewing for thousands of years.

Beer was first created in various African regions, including Egypt and Ethiopia. In these ancient societies, beer was a source of nourishment and was used for religious and social ceremonies. The brewing process was passed down from generation to generation and was a vital part of their cultural heritage.

And today, African-American-owned breweries continue to expand the beer landscape in exciting and innovative ways. These breweries are introducing new and unique beers and preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the African-American community. By doing so, they challenge the traditional notion of beer and who can create it.

8 Trill Initiative

One example is Allagash Brew Co.’s recent collaboration with Crowns & Hops, a black-owned brewery based in Inglewood, California. The two companies have come together to create a new beer called Cur-8, which combines Allagash’s award-winning golden ale Curieux with Crowns & Hops’ 8-Trills pilsner. The beer will be released in February, and proceeds from sales will go to the 8 Trill Initiative, a development fund dedicated to generating opportunities for black-owned craft beer brands.

Allagash Brewing

Another example of a black-owned brewery making waves in the industry is Weathered Souls Brewing Company. Founded by Marcus Baskerville, the brewery has been behind the wildly successful Black Is Beautiful collaboration effort. Since its inception in 2020, over 1,221 breweries worldwide have participated in the campaign, with proceeds going towards racial equality and eliminating societal disparities.

Weathered Souls cofounder and head brewer Marcus Baskerville is the inspiration behind the Black is Beautiful initiative.

WEATHERED SOULS BREWING CO. | WALMART

Brewing icon and author Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery has also impacted the industry by founding the Michael James Jackson Foundation in 2020. The foundation provides scholarships to accredited courses in brewing and distilling throughout the nation, intending to provide at least $100,000 in scholarships annually.

Garrett Oliver

In addition to these specific examples, several events, festivals, and gatherings aim to raise awareness, support and promote black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) brewers nationwide. These include Mike Potter’s Blacktoberfest, the Barrel & Flow Black arts and beer fest in Pittsburgh, and the Crafted For Action conference.

One minute video recap of Barrel & Flow Fest, America's first Black arts and craft brew fest.

In the film industry, director Aaron Hosé has received numerous accolades and awards for his documentary One Pint At A Time, which shines a spotlight on the adversities of Black Americans realizing their dreams of owning a brewery.

As co-founders of Vine Street Brewing Co., we are proud to be at the forefront of a movement that is changing the game in the brewing industry and creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape for all. Our brewery is located in the historic 18th & Vine district, a neighborhood globally recognized as a cradle of Jazz. This connection to music and cultural heritage is at the heart of everything we do and is reflected in our commitment to honoring the area's rich Black history while fostering a sense of community and belonging for everyone who walks through our doors.

Woodie Bonds, Kemet Coleman and Elliott Ivory, founders at Vine Street Brewing Co.

It is an exciting time to be a part of the brewing industry and we are proud to be one of the many black-owned breweries expanding the landscape and changing the game. From coast to coast, these breweries are creating a more inclusive and diverse industry that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and uplifts the voices of underrepresented groups. We believe this shift will lead to a more vibrant and dynamic industry that is better for everyone.

As we prepare to open our doors and welcome the community into our brewery, we are honored to be part of a movement making a lasting impact on the brewing culture and the city of Kansas City. We are confident that our commitment to inclusivity, our passion for brewing, and our connection to the 18th & Vine district will make Vine Street Brewing Co. a destination for beer lovers and music aficionados alike. And as we look to the future, we are excited to see how our brewery and others like it will continue to expand the landscape and change the game for years to come.