Emma Balter June 15, 2020
More than 600 breweries in all 50 states and in 13 countries have joined the “Black Is Beautiful” initiative, each producing a stout whose proceeds will raise funds for organizations like Black Lives Matter and the NAACP. In Texas, 81 breweries are participating, including nine in the Houston area.
The death of George Floyd, who grew up in Houston, in late May has prompted protests across the country and the world, calling attention to the police brutality and racism that black Americans have faced for hundreds of years. Off the streets, supporters of the movement are donating to related causes and supporting black-owned businesses.
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Black Is Beautiful is one of the latest drives for donations, this time by the beer community, which just recently banded together for restaurant workers affected by COVID-19. The collaboration is spearheaded by Marcus Baskerville, owner and head brewer of Weathered Souls Brewing in San Antonio.
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“As someone who has personally dealt with the abuse of power by the police, this recent turmoil the country is facing has hit home for me,” Baskerville, who is African-American, wrote on the Black Is Beautiful website. The project is “an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily.”
Participating breweries can get the base oatmeal stout recipe and label design through the website. They are asked to donate the beer’s proceeds to a relevant organization of the brewery’s choice, as well as commit to long-term work toward racial equality. Weathered Souls will donate to the Know Your Rights Camp, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s campaign.
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