Recent events have brought long overdue attention to the discrimination constructed into our American culture. It’s long been clear to me that racial prejudice abounds in every mainstream institution in America, but I’ve struggled to understand how best to help beyond the immediate choices I make each day.
In recent months, I have witnessed firsthand how this oppression permeates the lives of Black people in my own community. In attempting to help one of my own hardworking employees navigate the court system and advocate for himself, I watched in disbelief at how he was treated. I thought our system was “innocent until proven guilty.” I accompanied him to court and watched while white defendants received coaching and support from the judge at pretrial. He was disregarded and not offered the same treatment.
Of course, the same people who need help the most in our legal system can almost never afford it. They are left to work out what they can, sometimes pleading guilty to crimes they didn’t commit, because they don’t understand their rights or how to assert them. Watching one of my employees struggle through the justice system has been eye opening for me and I can no longer sit on the sidelines.
I want to help correct this injustice in any small way that I can, but I need your help. In celebration of our 7th anniversary this year, I am participating in the Black is Beautiful collaborative effort to raise awareness for the injustices people of color face daily and raise funds for legal defenses for those who have been wronged.
On August 19th, I am releasing an Imperial Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout named Black is Beautiful after the collaboration. 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be directed toward a fund to help Engrained employees who are impacted by discriminatory practices.
This year has been full of hardship and tension, but there is always something to appreciate. I am so grateful to my community of guests and staff for your continued support. Please join me in celebrating our 7 year anniversary and make a difference at the same time!
