We recently connected with Courtney Holden and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney , appreciate you joining us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Diversity is necessary, and it has to happen. Most ignorance is born from lack of exposure. It is best that we do what is necessary to expose ourselves and those around us to as many different things as possible. Its best to jump right in and own the fact that beer is a pass time that ALL people like.

The moment that shaped my view was me moving to Baltimore, what some would call a Black city, only to find no black people anywhere in breweries not consuming beer, making beer, or selling beer. I went to an online community to ask about the lack of diversity only to find that I would be chastized and ridiculed so I created Black Beer Geek to create a safe space for black people who love beer, to commune together and create change and it blew up bigger than I could have ever dreamed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a glorified blogger turned activist, turned consultant. Who specializes in helping breweries partner with community organizations and other small business to help each other thrive. Many breweries are suffering after the pandemic, and many small business owners are looking for ways to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services as well as creating more opportunities to grow their business. Communities save breweries therefore breweries should honor and reflect the community they serve. There is no where in the city where there are no Black people, so all breweries should be open to and aware of what it takes to accomodate ALL people.

I am most proud that now years later that the Craft beer scene is more diverse here than it has ever, and that is because of the work that I have done, The statements I have made that I used to really get hung out to dry for, but you must speak loudly about the things you care about. Otherwise it may never get airtime.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am working on a world where the craft beer industry recognizes the black history with in beer, offer more opportunities for people of color to open breweries, distributors and offer a more equitable experience for all those who love beer.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I was honest, I was raw, still am. Everything on my page is real, about real life and real things that are actually going on. I never sugar coated anything and I had hoped that in telling my truth I could change the industry, Now that I see the effect it has had on this cities beer community, I feel its best to replicate that same thing in other cities.

Best advise I can give, is be you focus on your message and nothing else. People respect whats real.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/black_beer_geek

Image Credits
@black_beer_geek Courtney Holden