Whoa: Boston Beer donates $225K to National Black Brewers Association

The Boston Beer Co. (BBC), makers of the iconic Samuel Adams beer, recently announced a donation of $225K to the National Black Brewers Association (NB²A.). This donation is timed to the launch of the NB²A, an organization dedicated to addressing underrepresentation of black people in the brewing industry. Kevin Johnson, the founder of the NB²A., expressed his gratitude for Boston Beer’s donation:

“We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Boston Beer Co.,” he said. “Partnerships with household names like the Boston Beer are essential to the success and growth of organizations like ours. With their support and resources, we’re better equipped to provide the necessary tools and opportunities for black brewers and brewery owners to thrive. We believe that by working together, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry that benefits everyone.”

Jennifer Glanville Love, director of partnerships at the Boston Beer Co., emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion in the brewing industry: “Boston Beer Co. is proud to be an inaugural supporter of the National Black Brewers Association to champion and amplify black brewers and brewery owners who, today, represent less than 1% of the brewing community. Backed by Samuel Adams Brewing The American Dream, Boston Beer will provide the necessary funding and valuable beer and business resources to help cultivate and grow the Black brewing community.”

The donation from Boston Beer Co. is a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion in the brewing industry. The NB²A will use the funds to support its mission of empowering black brewers and brewery owners to create a more equitable and inclusive industry for all. Less than 1% of craft breweries in the United States are owned by African Americans and there is no single entity to help African American brewers and brewery owners with their specific needs and issues.

Given these challenges, the National Black Brewers Association (“NB2A”) was formed as a 501c6 membership-based non-profit organization to:

• Promote the Black brewing community as a first-of-its kind organization.
• Increase the number of African Americans in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brewmaster.
• Exercise political influence by developing and advocating for effective policy; and
• Foster understanding about the history and legacy of African American brewing in the United States.

The NB2A is governed by a dynamic Board of Directors composed of the most experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brewmasters across the country. For more information on the National Black Brewers Association, visit our website at www.nationalblackbrewersassociation.org.