A worldwide collaborative initiative started by San Antonio, Texas’ Weathered Souls Brewing aims “to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily,” according to company founder and head brewer Marcus Baskerville. “Our mission is to bridge the gap that’s been around for ages and provide a platform to show that the brewing community is an inclusive place for everyone of any color.”
Participating breweries in the Black is Beautiful effort are asked for the following: Donate 100% of the beer’s proceeds to local foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged; choose their own entity to donate to local organizations that support equality and inclusion; and commit to the long-term work of equality.
“This platform and collaboration is about understanding and supporting people of color and inclusion. We ask that you please stand with us to create something that has never been seen before and show the world the brewing community is one of a kind,” says Baskerville, who provided the base recipe for a stout, which breweries will put their own creative spin on.
As of June 15, 635 breweries from 13 countries have joined. The website lists local breweries AleSmith, Belching Beaver, California Wild Ales, Horus Aged Ales, Mikkeller, Pure Project, Second Chance, TapRoom, and The Original 40 as participants; more self-reported makers include Five Suits, North Park Beer Co., and a collaboration between Resident and Thunderhawk.