“There is no American history without African American history." 

Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C.

Today and always, we are proud to celebrate black voices, and reflect on the immense contributions of Black Americans to our nation's history. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting and supporting Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs. We are honored to spotlight our incredible partners and invite you to learn more about their inspiring stories.

B. Stuyvesant Champagne

About
Stuyvesant Champagne is a Champagne company based in Brooklyn, NY led by CEO and founder Marvina Robinson.  Marvina holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to own a Champagne brand.  Sourced and produced in Épernay ( in the Champagne region of France) B. Stuyvesant Champagne  manufactures 20,000 bottles per year. Notably, it is one of the few Black and woman owned Champagne brands making it a significant presence in a traditionally European dominated field.

Marvina's champagne is named after the Brooklyn neighborhood where she grew up.  Spreading love the Brooklyn way, her brand continues to be more than a reflection of just hometown homage. B Stuyvesant  Champagne is a symbol of quality craftsmanship,  innovation, and camaraderie.

Fast forward to the present and the brand strives to symbolize camaraderie, celebration and aspirations for all. 

“As the CEO of this woman-owned and diverse business, my mission is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. B. Stuyvesant Champagne isn't just about taste; it's about forging connections, creating memories, and raising a glass to life's extraordinary moments.”

Marvina S. Robinson
Founder & CEO 
Stuyvesant Champagne 

Enjoy B.Stuyvesant Champagne year round at our Caviar Cafe in Brooklyn, NY or visit their tasting room at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

Equiano Rum

About
The World's First African-Caribbean Rum, Equiano Rum, shares the story of Olaudah Equiano. From slave to freedom fighter, he paved his way through liberation by selling rum through a treacherous journey of sacrifice and perseverance. It’s a story that resonates with the Founders of Equiano Rum as they hope to make a difference in the world. 

“Equiano was a visionary, a freedom fighter, whose work changed history. As a writer and speaker, his powerful memoirs went on to inform the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act and to impact the freedom of people all over the world. Freedom that many of us enjoy, but that many more are still fighting for, making his story as relevant to global conversation today as he was in the 1700’s.” - Equiano.com

Since inception, Equiano Rum creates waves not only being the first African- Caribbean Rum but for its rich and deep flavors which embody a true rum, completely uncompromised by additives- 100% natural. It is refreshingly unique, with an exceptional blend of barrel aged molasses rum from the Caribbean fused with fresh sugar cane juice rum from Africa.

Supporting Freedom of Spirit With Every Bottle Sold. 
Equality and diversity run deep in Equiano Rum’s  business which is why they donate 5% of company profits and £2 of every bottle purchased to ground-level freedom and equality projects annually.

The funds raised from every sale on their website go directly to The Equiano Rum Co Foundation Grant, which will support Anti-Slavery International throughout the next year.

Learn more and support Freedom of Spirit here.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

About
Uncle Nearest was founded by entrepreneur Fawn Weaver and utilizes the expertise of Master Blender Victoria Butler Eady, great-great-grandaughter of Master Distiller Nearest Green. Uncle Nearest is the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The brand is the fastest growing American whiskey in US history, and has been certified as the "World's Best" by the World Whiskies Awards two years in a row.

Initiatives - HBCU Challenge
From January 15, 2024 (in honor of MLK Jr. Day) through June 19, 2024 (in honor of Juneteenth), Uncle Nearest is partnering with bars, restaurants, retailers, e-Commerce partners, and the Uncle Nearest #WhiskeyFamily to raise up to $1.4 Million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in order to provide one full in-state tuition scholarship to each of the accredited schools. 

Support and learn more about the HBCU Challenge here.

Enjoy and support all spirits at our Caviar Cafe in Red Hook. Reserve a table here.