Out of nearly 10,000 breweries across the United States, fewer than 100—or less than 1%—are Black-owned. This lack of representation can be attributed to myriad issues, including lack of generational wealth, institutional racism, challenges of accessing startup capital, and much more. But Kevin Asato, the first executive director of the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A), is hoping to change that.
The NB2A’s mission to support the Black brewing community in the United States is an important goal that’s long been overlooked and undervalued by the American craft brewing industry. But in 2023, Asato took the reins of the country’s first national non-profit dedicated to fostering Black brewery ownership and Black participation at all levels of the beer industry. Since launching in May, NB2A introduced Black Brewer’s Day on October 10 and began lobbying politicians to introduce and improve legislation to benefit the beer businesses. For months, Asato has been a regular at conferences, industry events, and in the news to promote the effort.
Asato’s professional experience spans multiple worlds, from beverages to community building, advisory positions, investment opportunities, and beyond. This means he’s uniquely positioned to address ideological needs as well as financial ones, all while finding time to celebrate the plethora of accomplishments Black brewers have already achieved over the years. His ability to foster joy, as well as create pathways for people who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities as others, stands to change the face of the U.S. craft beer scene in ways that have seemed out of reach for many—until now. Asato is just getting started, and we are lucky to have a front-row seat.
Words,Beth Demmon