TOBS spotlights industry leading panelists and Black-owned brands
Black Spirits Legacy and Pronghorn.co, present the Liquid Forum and the Taste of Black Spirits (TOBS) “BROOKLYN” to elevate Black-owned brands and industry leaders, June 29 and June 30, 2023. Many consumers are unaware of Black-owned spirit companies and their products. The Liquid Forum and TOBS offers growth opportunities, marketing awareness and access to capital to these emerging premium brands.
The Liquid Forum will gather a national panel of Black spirits business leaders. Panelists will reflect on their professional journey and provide expert mentorship for entrepreneurs interested in the spirit industry. The Liquid Forum will take place Thursday, June 29, 2023, 4 pm at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Guest Panelists include Jomaree Pinkard, CEO, Pronghorn; Jackie Summers, Founder/CEO, Jack From Brooklyn; Vanessa Braxton, Founder, Black Momma Vodka; Apryl Fort Kelly, COO, N Brands; Shirley White, Founder, OTC Beverages, Sunshine Moss, Founder, Happy Cork; and Lazar Favors, Founder, Black Spirits Legacy.
The Taste of Black Spirits “BROOKLYN” 7th Edition returns Friday, June 30, 2023 at 6 pm. Tickets start at $75 and the event will take place at Shell’s Loft, 120 Hamilton Ave., Red Hook, Brooklyn. This will be a curated experience to increase equity for Black-owned spirit brands. The conference will highlight the history and evolution of Black master distillers, emerging Spirits and trailblazers of the industry. Our partners include: Duo Restaurant & Lounge, Jack From Brooklyn, Hella Cocktails Co., Black Momma Vodka, Happy Cork Wine & Spirits, Den of Thieves Whiskey, Reserve Bar and The Deborah Baptiste Group.
Attendees will have a chance to sample, purchase products and meet the founders of over 50 spirit brands. Participating brands are Islandjon Vodka, Duke & Dame Whiskey, Tom Bullock’s Gin, T Capri Tequila, Thoughts Bourbon, Bleu Royal Tequila Rum, Acquired Taste Cognac, Los Hermanos Tequila, and many more. “Summer Sexy” attire required. This showcase will be filmed and documented.
“Underrepresentation and a lack of diversity has long been an issue in the spirits industry”, says chief executive curator of Black Spirits Legacy, Lazar Favors. “The Taste of Black Spirits continues to build on the remarkable legacy of African American master distillers and industry leaders to generate equity for Black entrepreneurs. I am motivated to give our audience a unique, high quality, experience and access to capital for Black owned spirit brands”.
Click the link to purchase tickets for Taste of Black Spirits BROOKLYN & Liquid.
The Taste of Black Spirits (TBS) launched in May 2021, as a first of its kind event in Michigan and throughout the Midwest featuring all Black-owned beer, wine and spirit brands from across the nation. TBS has featured more than 90 brands. In two years, this event will expand to 10 cities throughout the U.S.
About Black Spirits Legacy
The Black Spirits Legacy Initiative is focused on driving commerce in economic value and has been for 5+ years through investing in Black-owned founders. They are making sure there’s more Black people reflected in the industry. They currently manage the Michigan Market for Duke and Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey, IslandJon Vodka, Fort Mose’ Bourbon, T Capri Tequila, Tom Bullock’s Gin and Burnt Orange Bourbon to name a few. They are a team of Legacy Liaisons strategically working in this lucrative $353 billion industry of which we are currently grossly underrepresented. They help entrepreneurs with everything: distribution, supply chain, marketing, and ecommerce. Example, helping businesses find hard to source materials like glass, and helping them understand how to market their brand.
They have built a library of information, training materials, and relationships just to level the playing field for a population that is starting from a deficit. They don’t just want to get them up to a level playing field. They want to get them up to plus 10, so that they can compete with other brands. “Our Legacy revolves around infinite potential and how Black Spirits are going to make history—not competitively but collectively, because doing so will make a global impact.” – LAZAR
A stand-alone business dedicated to cultivating the next generation of diverse founders, executive leaders and entrepreneurs in the beverage alcohol industry. Pronghorn is investing capital in Black owned brands spirits, which allows Black entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses. Pronghorn is creating opportunities for the Black community, from internships to mentorships to careers, ranging from entry to executive level. Pronghorn’s team of industry experts works with each founder to identify the primary areas of opportunity and provides a blueprint to help them achieve their business goals.
