Guinness U.S. Open Gate Brewery Stands with Groups Advocating for Racial Justice

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland, has proudly debuted their version of the collaboration beer “Black is Beautiful.” The Black is Beautiful initiative is a collaborative effort amongst the American brewing community, in an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily. Guinness’ take on the Black is Beautiful brew is an Imperial Stout, brewed with Guinness roasted barley and historic yeast. All proceeds from sales of Guinness’ Black is Beautiful beer will benefit the Job Opportunities Task Force, a leading Maryland organization that works to eliminate educational and employment barriers for low-wage workers by transforming the systems and policies that create and perpetuate those barriers.

This beer release comes on the heels of Guinness’ $1 million commitment to Baltimore organizations supporting social justice. The commitment, announced this summer, includes an immediate $250,000 donation to the Baltimore Action Legal Team, which provides legal support to Baltimore residents as they exercise their civil liberties, and another $250,000 donation to the Maryland Food Bank, a long-standing partner of the brewery which works to address the impact of racial inequality and structural barriers to food access.

When the brewery needed to close its doors to the public during Maryland’s statewide shutdown, the brewery pivoted operations to pitch in and help feed the community. The on-site culinary team began baking “Brewers Bread” and have been donating 500 loaves each week to the Maryland Food Bank. Since April, they have donated more than 12,000 loaves. The brewery team also launched a curbside beer pick-up program, with all net proceeds benefitting the Maryland Food Bank, resulting in a separate $35,000 donation.