Initiatives aimed at diversifying the craft beer industry

DURHAM, N.C. – Ask Austin Beshear, brewer at Full Steam Brewing in Durham, if he ever imagined himself making craft beer just a few years ago. “I couldn’t have imagined it,” he says.

What you need to know Many Faces Initiative offers 10-week paid internships

The goal is to include people of color in the craft beer industry

Austin Beshear joined the program and is now a brewer in Durham.

Five breweries are participating this year.

For about 10 years, Beshear has worked various jobs in what he calls the “alcohol scene.” It was two years ago that his friend told him about the Many Faces Initiative internship. The internship is his 10-week paid program aimed at bringing more people of color into the craft beer world.

He says he jumped at the chance and landed his current job shortly after completing the program.

“The Many Faces internship really helps me understand what the field is like and share that with others,” Beshear said. “I think it’s had a huge impact on people watching behind the scenes and in the sales field. So, overall, I think North Carolina is in the best shape.”

The internship, which started in 2021, is currently accepting applications from participating breweries this year. The deadline for submission is April 22nd.

Five beers: Atomic Clock Brewing Company in Durham, Full Steam Brewing in Durham, Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary, Town Brewing Company in Charlotte, and 760 Craft Works in Huntersville. Breweries are participating.

Beshear says there is still a long way to go when it comes to diversity in the industry, both for women and people of color. Only 1% of breweries nationwide are minority-owned, he said.

North Carolina’s craft beer industry is working to change that, he says.

“Mike Potter just opened the first African-American brewery in Durham, which is really exciting. So we’re going to see more and more traction and leaders like them and me and people like us. I think it’s going to increase. I think it’s building. I think it’s really growing,” Beshear said.

Bethea does not see any disadvantages for those considering applying. The knowledge and interest you gain about the industry will help you introduce it to more people in the future.

“You’re learning things. If it doesn’t work out, that’s okay,” Beshear said. “Now I can teach others what I know.”

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