West Michigan Breweries Collaborate For Black History Month Beer

Happy Black History Month!

In honor of the month, Mitten Brewing Co. is bringing back a beer for a good cause.

Get our free mobile app

Mitten Brewing Co.'s Black History Month Beer

"In recognition of Black History Month, "Teddy Rasberry" Wheat Ale returns to the tap list TODAY! We are proud to partner with our friends at Black Calder Brewing Company to release this special winter version of our summer fruit beer to benefit the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives!"

"Each year, we use sales from this beer—named for local Negro League legend Ted Rasberry— to help preserve the legacy of black baseball in Michigan. We have previously supported the "Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program" through YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and the restoration of the "Turkey Stearnes" Field at Historic Hamtramck Stadium. This year, we are pleased to add GRAAMA to the growing list of worthy beneficiaries."

Who Is Ted Rasberry?

Rasberry was born on October 8, 1913, in West Point, Mississippi, and in his youth, played basketball, baseball, and football.

By 1946, Rasberry purchased his first team, the Grand Rapids Black Sox.

Rasberry tried to enter his team into the Negro American League but was rejected due to Grand Rapids’ small black population. In 1953 Rasberry purchased an Indianapolis team and moved them to Detroit, renaming the team the Detroit Stars. He reapplied to the Negro American League in 1953 and this time was accepted. The team disbanded in 1958.

You can learn more about his life, legacy, and contributions to Grand Rapids here.

How do you feel about the brewing company relaunching this beer?