The National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) announced today it has added the country’s second largest brewer to the ranks of its business council.
Molson Coors has joined the council as a gold member and pledged a $50,000 investment in the NB2A, the first-ever trade association for Black brewers and brewery owners. Revolver Brewing president James Gleaves will represent Molson Coors on the council.
“As a Black man in brewery leadership, I recognize the importance of diverse voices and
perspectives in shaping the industry’s future,” Gleaves said in a press release. “I’m proud to be able to use my decades of brewing and management experience to help bring a new generation of industry leaders into the beer business.”
The NB2A debuted in 2023 as a resource to address the needs of Black brewers and business owners. It is committed to increasing both the ranks of Black-owned breweries and the number of Black individuals working in the beer industry by empowering people with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in the environment.
“Molson Coors brings significant value as a partner to NB2A, enhancing the credibility of our
organization and strengthening our shared commitment to a more equitable and vibrant brewing landscape,” NB2A executive director Kevin Asato said in the release. “Molson Coors will help our organization provide members with essential tools, education and other critical resources that will uplift and advance the Black brewing community.”
Since founding its Celebrate Tomorrow initiative in 2020, Molson Coors has donated more than $6 million to organizations in North America that promote economic opportunity, according to the release.
Yesterday, Brewbound named the NB2A and its founding members its 2023 Beer Champion.
Asato and NB2A board of directors member Teo Hunter took the stage on Day Two of Brewbound Live at 9 a.m. PT to deliver a Wake Up Call. Hunter and co-founder Beny Ashburn discussed their journey to establish Inglewood, California-based Crowns & Hops, a 2023 Brewbound Rising Star. Asato joined the conversation to share how the NB2A is working to create a more diverse and vibrant beer industry.