We want everyone to know that we fully and deeply believe Black Lives Matter. We’ve always felt that way. The recent events have made us realize that while feeling and saying we are allies is not enough.
We have felt the gamete of emotions as many have and have realized that while emotions are a start, they are not what is important right now. What is important is understanding and acknowledging what our privilege allows us, what our fellow Americans of color are going through and what they have been going through for 400 years.
What is also important to us is taking action. We have been taking action personally as owners and as a taphouse. We are listening, learning, putting our money into helping eradicate systems that keep people of color oppressed, and have been having conversations in our families, communities, and will be doing so in Vancouver and in craft beer.
We are a taphouse that believes in doing what is right. What we believe is right is…
Choosing courage over comfort, choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy…and choosing to practice our values over processing them. ~ Brene Brown
There needs to be zero tolerance in this country for racism. The people are speaking and have spoken. We cannot continue with hatred and discrimination that is so imbedded in our systems and communities.
What we are experiencing right now…is our opportunity for the future.
We must care when people are dealing with prejudice and systematic racism. This is a fight for humanity. So we can live in a world without hate and racism and where people are loved and do not have to worry about their safety when they are walking down the street or when they are going into a pub for a pint.
We also believe that community and connection with others is of the utmost importance in our business and in life. And we achieve this through storytelling….getting to know each other deeper through our stories and our experiences. There are many stories of People of Color that are not being heard, sought out, taught, and listened to. That will be our focus.
We wanted to share these voices of educators that we are looking to, to understand what we can do to fight racism in our communities as well as how to work at inclusivity, equity and justice. We have reached out to Dr. J and have become members of Craft Beer For All so we can develop strategies in our craft-beer business.
Craft Beer For All - Dr. J Nikol Jackson-Beckham - Instagram @jnikolbeckham http://www.craftbeerforall.com
Beer Diversity – Ren Navarro - Instagram @beer_diversity http://www.beer-diversity.com
We are starting give-back nights at the taphouse starting Thursday, June 11. Every Thursday through July 16, at the taphouse, we will be donating $1 per pint to organizations helping to eliminate race-based discrimination and are dedicated to Black liberation and to collective liberation. In addition, we will be donating $5 per Adventure Pack purchased online. Donations will go to our local chapter of the NAACP and Black Visions Collective (BLVC).
https://www.naacpvancouverwa.org - The Vancouver Branch works to continue its efforts to improve equality and justice in our community. Wherever there is a need, they are there to advocate for equal treatment and justice for all people.
www.blackvisionsmn.org - BLVC is committed to a long term vision in which All Black lives not only matter, but are able to thrive.
We know that we will never understand fully. We know that we will not get everything right. We are going to learn, start conversations, sit in the “uncomfortable,” stand in solidarity with our Black sisters and brothers, and do the work. We do not want this to be the final draft of history. We need change. We need it now!
~ Mike and Kimberly, Owners, Final Draft Taphouse
