Raising a Glass: Celebrating National Black Brewers Day (October 10)

Every October 10, beer lovers, brewery professionals, and allies come together to recognize National Black Brewers Day — a day to honor, uplift, and amplify the contributions of Black brewers in the craft beer world.

In a field historically dominated by barriers and exclusion, Black brewers bring voices, flavors, innovation, and community-building to an industry that is richer because of their presence.

The Story Behind October 10

The roots of this observance reach back to October 10, 1970, when Theodore A. “Ted” Mack, Sr. and business partners purchased the Peoples Brewing Company in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. That day marked the first time a Black entrepreneur became president of a brewery in the U.S., and Peoples Brewing became one of the earliest Black-owned breweries in American history. The Washington Beer Blog+3nationalblackbrewersassociation.org+3The Washington Beer Blog+3

Of course, the story doesn’t begin or end there. Before and after that moment, many Black people — including enslaved Africans, laborers, fermenters, and agricultural workers — contributed to the brewing tradition in ways often overlooked by mainstream histories. nationalblackbrewersassociation.org+2Arryved+2

In establishing October 10 as a day of recognition, the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) aims to not only commemorate historical milestones but also to raise awareness of contemporary challenges, highlight current Black brewers, build networks, and push for equity in a craft beer industry that still sees Black ownership at less than 1% of all U.S. breweries. nationalblackbrewersassociation.org+3The Washington Beer Blog+3The Washington Beer Blog+3

Why National Black Brewers Day Matters

• Visibility & Representation Black brewers and brewery owners have for too long been underrepresented in media, awards, funding, and taprooms. This day helps center their voices and stories.

• Acknowledging Barriers The brewing industry has structural and economic obstacles: access to capital, distribution networks, ingredient sourcing, regulatory complexity, and community investment. Recognizing these challenges is part of the path to change.

• Connecting Past & Present Honoring pioneers like Ted Mack also opens up conversations about the skills, resilience, and innovations that Black brewers past and present bring to the table.

• Fostering Community & Collaboration National Black Brewers Day encourages breweries — Black-owned or not — to collaborate, host events, offer tastings, and support one another. It’s a day for allies too.

• Inspiring the Next Generation Young people who see Black brewers succeeding may be more likely to pursue brewing, entrepreneurship, or supportive roles in the industry.

How You Can Celebrate

Here are a few ideas for individuals, breweries, bars, and beer communities:

• Seek out and support Black-owned breweries Try beers from Black brewers, share them with friends, post photos and reviews, and follow their stories on social media.

• Host tastings, tap takeovers, or events Breweries or bars can dedicate a day (or part of a day) to showcase beers from Black-owned breweries. Invite the brewers (virtually or in person) to talk about their process, history, and vision.

• Use social media to amplify stories Share profiles, quotes, brewery features, and facts. Use hashtags suggested by the NB2A or ones trending in the brewing community.

• Collaborate or donate Participate in collaboration brews, donate a portion of sales to Black brewer support organizations, or contribute to brewing education funds.

• Learn & teach Read deeper into the history of Black brewing, bring that awareness into your beer club, your brewer’s group, your local community.

• Advocate for inclusion In local and state brewery legislation, zoning, funding, and permitting, shine a light on equity and inclusion.

Notable Names & Innovation to Watch

While the Black brewery community remains small in number, it is vibrant and growing. Some names and movements worth exploring:

• Black Is Beautiful — A collaborative brew project that brings breweries together and supports racial justice causes. Craft Brewing Business+2Vine Street Brewing Co.+2

• Policy Kings, Salt Lake City’s first Black-owned brewery, opened in 2025, combining local partnerships and community vision. Axios

• Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner, is training a new generation of black brewers in her country. AP News

• Roar Brewing, Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery (opened in 2025), is launching a bold flagship stout and embracing community engagement through events and education. Eater Detroit

These are only a few examples — many more are working behind the scenes, innovating, brewing, and building legacy.

A Toast to the Future

This National Black Brewers Day, whether you pour a pint at home or attend a local brewery event, take a moment to reflect on:

• The persistence, creativity, and courage of Black brewers past and present.

• The work still needed to break down barriers and broaden equity in the brewing world.

• The rich possibilities ahead when more voices, flavors, and perspectives are part of every brew.

Raise your glass — and let’s toast to a more inclusive, vibrant, and flavorful future for beer.