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Minnesota Breweries Respond to the Murder of George Floyd

Minnesota Breweries Respond to the Murder of George Floyd

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

 

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Our hearts are breaking for Minneapolis and the pain this city has experienced over the past few days. The tragic killing of George Floyd demands justice, and there are a number of organizations fighting for meaningful progress. We have decided to close the brewery today out of concern for the safety of our staff and customers, but if you planned on coming to grab a beer today, consider donating to one of these agents of change instead: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • @mnfreedomfund • @ACLUmn • George Floyd Memorial Fund (www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd) • @brewingchangemn • Lake St. Council @visitlakestreet or www.welovelakestreet.com Only together will we find a path forward – we can attain both peace and justice. Check our story for daily operating hours moving forward. Art by @andresitoguzman

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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⠀

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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

 

 

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We are heartbroken over the death of George Floyd and are devastated about the effects that this killing and others like it have had. Justice is not optional; it is a prerequisite to building a better community that we all share. As a cooperative, we founded ourselves on the fact that we are all equal, and we strive every day to live that by being a responsible business and an engaged member of society. We believe in the power of community. Great things happen when people unite to work for the betterment of all. We are in the process of seeking partnerships that advance the cause of justice and work to improve the state of our community. If you have suggestions on possible partners that have these values, please share them with us. Words are not enough; we will speak with our actions. -Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative

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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

 

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Fair State stands with our community demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd. The violence against Black lives must end. This injustice has been exacerbated by those who are tasked to protect us. ⁣ ⁣ Our community is grieving and needs to be healed. We can’t bring justice to George Floyd on our own, but we can continue to support our community as it works to be heard and rebuild. Our taproom will be closed through Monday, June 1st to give our staff time to support themselves, their families, and their community. We encourage all of you to stay safe and healthy.⁣ ⁣ Justice demands more of us – it demands more of our leaders, and it demands more of us as citizens. For those of you who want to find ways to support organizations building a better world – we’re again highlighting the work of our Cooperates partners who are doing direct work in our communities to heal and bring change.⁣ ⁣ Minnesota Freedom Fund — @mnfreedomfund Appetite For Change — @appetiteforchange ACLU of Minnesota — @aclumn Brewing Change Collaborative — @brewingchangemn Black Visions Collective — @blackvisionscollective Native Governance Center — @nativegov Minnesota Prison Doula Project — @minnesotaprisondoulaproject ⁣ 📸 via @m_shocker

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

 

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Like you, our hearts are broken for the family and loved ones of Mr. George Floyd. Loss of life in itself is unbelievably sad and tragic; but Mr. Floyd’s death was preventable. His life was taken by individuals whose responsibility was to protect and serve. These acts of violence continue to create a massive divide in our society due to a lack of equality, acceptance, justice and peace. This chronic pain caused by fear, unchecked racism and deeply rooted biases will continue until we take a stand. When we look the other way or remain silent, we are perpetuating the status quo. This is happening in our community to our friends and family members. At Pryes Brewing we stand against violence, discrimination and oppression in all forms. At the same time we stand together to support our team and our community to heal together even as we continue to demand justice.

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Sociable Cider – Minneapolis, MN


Tin Whiskers Brewing – St. Paul, MN


Venn Brewing – Minneapolis, MN


Wild Mind Artisan Ales – Minneapolis, MN

 

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Wild Mind stands in solidarity with George Floyd. . With that being said, we are closing the brewery until further notice. . Any orders for pickup or deliveries that have already been placed will be handled at a later date when we can open back up safely. If you have already placed an order we will try to reach out to you directly as we are able. For the safety of our employees, families, and the entire community – temporarily shutting is the best decision. We apologize for any inconveniences. . Thank you for your continued support. Be well. Stay safe. Be kind. There are brighter days for everyone ahead. Our thoughts are with our community as we all try to continue to heal together.

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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

 

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Our hearts are heavy. Rest in peace, George Floyd. #westandwithgeorgefloyd #stopracistterror #endpolicebrutality #justiceforall

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The Brewing Projekt – Eau Claire, WI

 

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Hey TBP fans, while we may not be truly “local” to the Minneapolis / St Paul market we’ have long considered it our “home market”. We’ve sold more beer in the Twin Cities over the last few years than anywhere else and as a result of that we’ve been laboring with the decision on how to respond to the murder of George Floyd and the events that have taken place since his death. At the risk of being considered interlopers we want to stand behind every single one of our friends across the Minnesota border. These are difficult times for all innocent people like George Floyd and his family who’ve lost their loved one. For the innocent people who’ve lost their homes, their businesses, and their livelihoods to the riots. For the families of the GOOD law enforcement officers and now MN National Guard troops who are out there trying to keep the peace. We hope that justice comes and is served quickly. We hope that the institutions that have allowed for the status quo to exist for too long are torn down and rebuilt to be FAR MORE inclusive and considerate. We hope for peace. We hope for everyone’s safety. It would do us all a little good to take a look in the mirror and make a conscious choice to be better people than we were yesterday… #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #PeaceAndLove (See a full statement from our President/Founder Will Glass in comments)

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Threes Brewing – Brooklyn, NY

Article research and assistance by Tristan Chan

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