City Built Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is embarking on a heartfelt mission to recognize and honor the contributions of Latino and Hispanic brewers in the brewing industry via this Mi Gente beer collaboration.
“I carry immense pride in the fact that I am Puerto Rican,” says Edwin Collazo, CEO of City Built Brewing. “Not just because I’m Puerto Rican, but because of the stories that came before me – the idea that people left a small island to come to a place where they had no connections, had no safety net, had only the idea of creating better. That lives on in me and other Latino and Hispanic brewers, business owners, and creators in our industry.”
Beyond celebrating the brewers themselves, Mi Gente is committed to allocating a portion of its proceeds to support worthy causes that uplift these vibrant communities. City Built’s initial partnership in this journey is with Somos Comunidad. The Somos Comunidad Fund, led by Latino community members, strives to create an adaptable approach to balance support for immediate needs while addressing root causes of inequity.
Mi Gente extends a heartfelt invitation to like-minded breweries to join hands in celebrating and supporting the Latin and Hispanic brewing community.
By adopting the beer recipe and label art, fellow brewers can contribute to the same cause within their respective markets. This mission aims to actively foster unity, diversity, and generosity within these communities.
City Built’s inaugural Mi Gente collaboration is with Batch Brewing Co., helmed by Production Manager Eric Plata, in Detroit, Michigan.
“It’s been immensely rewarding to work on this project and see it come to fruition. I’m humbled to be a part of an initiative that represents a growing minority in the brewing industry, all while highlighting the expansive culture of the Hispanic brewer,” says Plata.
They have chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds to DHDC (Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation). These collaborative beers will make their debut in the taprooms of both City Built Brewing and Batch Brewing on October 27, 2023. Beer enthusiasts can also look forward to savoring these beers at the Michigan Brewers Guild 14th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival on October 28, 2023.
A second beer, Chela Familiar, is also on the way.
Mi Gente says
¡Salud! 💚
City Built Brewing Company says
Thanks for sharing! 🍻