College-aged goons with bad haircuts are currently ransacking government databases, looking for mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with the goal of removing federal funding for any initiatives and programs with those words. It’s a scary time, but it’s also important to understand that these chuds are afraid. We have power, too.
In our little corner of the world, the beer world, DEIA–the A is for accessibility–still matters and is important. It’s why Brandy Holder, co-owner of DC Beer, is putting together a panel discussion and silent auction, “Women of Craft Beverage. A Panel of Empowerment, Inclusion & Equality,” on Tuesday, March 4, at Lost Generation Brewing. This event is a fundraiser for the Michael James Jackson Foundation (MJF), a non-profit that grants scholarships to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the brewing and distilling trades.
$35 gets you two slices of pizza, two Lost Generation beers, a donation to the MJF, and an evening of connection, learning, and inspiration.
Panelists include:
- Annie McGinnis: Co Owner of Vine Street Brewing Co. Missouri’s First Black-owned brewery
- Breeze Galindo: Director of Operations for the Michael James Jackson Foundation and Founder and Head Brewer of Mi Luna Brewing, NY.
- Becky Harris: Co Owner and Master Distiller at Catoctin Creek Distillery, VA
- Courtney Rominiyi: Co Founder of the Black Brew Movement.
- Emily Brown: Beverage Director of Andy’s Pizza
- Jenn Anderson: Sommelier, co-founder of Novella Wines and Beverage Director and front-of-house lead at Michelin starred Reverie
- Julie Verratti: Co Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Denizens Brewing, MD
- Leah Cheston: Co-owner of Right Proper Brewing, DC, and the chairwoman of the Brewers Association (BA) board of directors.
- Tasha Dixon: Head Brewer at Ardent Craft Ales in Richmond, VA
The silent auction includes goodies from near and far. Both Dovetail and Heater Allen donated brewery swag; Allied Distributors and Ardent donated a lot of beer, and there are gift cards to local restaurants as well as tours and tastings.
We, DC Beer, are not making any money on this. Andy’s Pizza is giving us a generous discount on the food, and Lost Generation is donating their space, staff, and beer–additional beers available for purchase. “Our goal is to support, empower, and promote the contributions and representation of women, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within the craft beverage industry,” adds Holder.
Got questions? Hit us up. Want to donate? Drop us a line. Thanks for your support. We’re stronger together. That ticket link again.
