In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by (now former) Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin, the Twin Cities has been the center of peaceful protest and calls for justice and reform. However, Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with other cities around the country, are experiencing civil unrest, as, throughout the week, peaceful protests during the day turned violent and chaotic in the night.
As the Twin Cities community looks to mourn, heal, rebuild and lead change after a horrific tragedy, a specific, but significant part of that community — the area’s craft beer scene — is responding.
In addition to donations from Modist Brewing and Bauhaus Brew Labs , the Minnesota craft beer community is standing in solidarity behind the message for further justice and systemic change as our country mourns, rebuilds, and reforms. The responses have been rapid and unifying to repair the fabric of a torn community.
We took a look at how breweries across Minnesota, as well as the rest of the country, have spoken out against the brutal slaying of George Floyd, and joined in support of their Twin City communities.
Able Seedhouse + Brewery – Minneapolis, MN
56Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Arbieter Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
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Please don’t forget why we’re living in this moment.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Don’t let the riots, looting and arson distract from the reason why we’re witnessing an uprising around the country. ⠀ ⠀ George Floyd – a black man – didn’t need to die on Monday, May 25th, 2020. He was murdered in front of our very eyes, by a white (former) police officer named Derek Chauvin. Three additional (former) officers assisted in his arrest, yet did nothing to prevent his murder. ⠀ ⠀ We desperately need real reform, and real checks and balances placed on those who serve to protect us, and on those who represent us. ⠀ ⠀ Communities need to band together, support each other, and drive change by starting to hold accountable their locally elected officials (vote damnit). Get to know your neighbors. Support small businesses in your neighborhoods. ⠀ ⠀ Standing in front of the rubble is an incredibly heartbreaking experience, but that experience pales in comparison to what George Floyd’s family experienced – just six days ago. Seeing the thousands of people coming out to help clean up their neighborhoods is powerful and heartwarming to witness, but remember: this didn’t need to happen. George Floyd didn’t deserve to get murdered.⠀ ⠀ Stand strong. Support each other. Demand change. ⠀ ⠀ #justiceforgeorgefloyd #mnbeer #longfellowmpls #mncraftbeer ⠀ ⠀ Updated artwork by @psilocybin651⠀
A post shared by Arbeiter Brewing (@arbeiterbrewing) on May 31, 2020 at 10:15am PDT
Barrel Theory – Saint Paul, MN
Bauhaus Brew Labs – Minneapolis, MN
Like Modist Brewing, earlier this week, Bauhaus Brew Labs , located in the Northeast area of Minneapolis announced they were donating a portion of their to-go beer sales to the George Floyd Memorial Fund and the ACLU .
Bent Paddle Beer – Duluth, MN
Broken Clock Brewing Collective – Minneapolis, MN
Clutch Brewing Company – St. Paul, MN
Dangerous Man Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Dual Citizen Brewing – Saint Paul, MN
Eastlake Craft Brewery – Minneapolis, MN
Fair State Brewing Cooperative – Minneapolis, MN
Falling Knife Brewing Company – Minneapolis, MN
Forager Brewery – Rochester, MN
Fulton Beer – Minneapolis, MN
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This week Minneapolis has been jarred out of the privileged existence in which so many of us live. Our whole city suddenly feels the fear and exposure that minorities in our country have endured for centuries. It may not be the duty of a brewery to speak out on every social issue in our community, but it is our privilege. And it IS our duty to acknowledge that privilege is a real thing that exists and if you’re born with it you have the freedom to choose how to live your life or run your business and then just do that. And if you’re not born with it, it’s uphill all the way to the start line, and after that too. And even then you might get killed like George Floyd was. We founded Fulton with the belief that our business has a duty to act as a citizen of our community, and that duty extends to doing our part to make our community a better, happier place to live. Today, our community is hurting in a way it never has during our existence, and like all of our neighbors, we’re confused, hurt, angered, fearful. How do we make sense of the senseless death of a defenseless man? Then of the destruction of innocent businesses and workplaces and residences? Like many of you, we are grappling with how we can turn this week’s shocking, saddening events into positive energy and constructive action that will make our community a better place now and for years to come. For everyone. As we all work through this, all we ask is for you to be there for each other, and be good to one another. If you choose to make your voice visible by protest, please do so safely and responsibly as a citizen of our community.
A post shared by Fulton Beer (@fultonbeer) on May 29, 2020 at 2:19pm PDT
Hayes’ Public House – Buffalo, MN
HeadFlyer Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Indeed Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
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It’s hard not to feel powerless when faced with the police killing of George Floyd. One concrete thing that we—as an organization committed to the safety and well-being of our community—can do is reject the provision that requires us to pay the Minneapolis Police Department to supervise our events. Right now, to get a permit to throw a special event like Whirlygig, we’re required to pay off-duty MPD officers to be present. An Indeed party is meant to be for everyone, and it’s become clear that the MPD doesn’t make everyone feel safe right now. We’re sharing with you our letter to the City of Minneapolis and its Business Licenses & Consumer Services office, detailing our request; we encourage other businesses that host events to do the same. Please keep George Floyd, his loved ones, and our community in your thoughts as we all seek justice and healing from this horrific event. Swipe left to view the letter, and apologies if you saw, liked, or shared an earlier version of this post. We posted an outdated version of the letter, which was slightly reworded before sending to the city. For transparency’s sake we wanted you to see the final letter. Thanks, everyone. It’s been a long day and it’s time for a beer.
A post shared by Indeed Brewing Co. Minneapolis (@indeedbrewing) on May 28, 2020 at 4:13pm PDT
Insight Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Lakes & Legends Brewing Co. – Minneapolis, MN LynLake Brewery – Minneapolis, MN
Modist Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
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Fuck this shit. Our community needs justice for George Floyd, and we need it now. We are going to donate all of our proceeds from the time George Floyd was murdered, through the end of the month, directly to George Floyd’s family and the causes listed below. If there’s a “throw those cops in jail” fund, we’ll contribute to that too. What happened to George Floyd and countless other people of color across the United States is the result of a shitty system, created by shitheads, that protects shitheads. This shitty system is responsible for the deaths of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Jamar Clark, and countless other people of color. For anyone protesting (civilly), you got a beer on us. If you’re comfortable with it, just message us a pic of you trying to right this wrong, and we’ll figure it out. And to the entire black community, we are here for you. Modist has your back. Don’t back down. Our funds will be directed to: • George Floyd Memorial Fund • @mnfreedomfund • Justice 4 Jamar • Philando Castile Relief Foundation • @brewingchangemn Join us in using your voices to call for justice on behalf of George Floyd and all those who have been murdered at the hands of law enforcement. Here are some great numbers to start with: Governor Walz 651.201.3400 Mayor Frey 612.673.2100 DA Mike Freeman 612.348.5550 Police Chief Arrandando 612.673.3550 Sheriff Dave Hutch 612.358.3744 Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights 612.673.3012 Bureau of Criminal Apprehension 651.793.7000 If you are out protesting tonight, please, be safe, be kind, and be fucking loud. #justiceforgeorgefloyd Artist: @andresitoguzman
A post shared by Modist Brewing (@modistbrewing) on May 28, 2020 at 5:46pm PDT
In the days following Floyd’s murder, Modist Brewing, located in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood, announced plans to donate all proceeds from the time Floyd was murdered, through the end of the month, directly to Floyd’s family and the causes listed below. Additionally, over the last few days, Modist has also been accepting donations of first aid and other supplies for protesters calling for justice.
Pryes Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Sociable Cider – Minneapolis, MN
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Our hearts are broken for George Floyd, his family, and our community. Sociable is going to be closed until further notice so our staff and patrons can grieve, and process the enormity of the moment facing Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the nation. If, like us, you feel disheartened, powerless, or unsure of what you can do, we’d direct you to make a contribution to the go-fund me for George’s family (linked in our bio) or to one of the many Minneapolis based groups doing the social and racial justice work our city so desperately needs. Stay safe out there, friends. -Jim, Wade & the Sociable Crew
A post shared by Sociable Cider Werks (@sociablecider) on May 29, 2020 at 9:55am PDT
Tin Whiskers Brewing – St. Paul, MN
Venn Brewing – Minneapolis, MN
Wild Mind Artisan Ales – Minneapolis, MN
Wooden Hill Brewing – Edina, MN
Meanwhile, other breweries across the country have also joined in support in remembering and honoring George Floyd as well.
Alchemist Beer – Stowe, VT
The Brewing Projekt – Eau Claire, WI
Threes Brewing – Brooklyn, NY
Article research and assistance by Tristan Chan
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