The first black woman-owned brewery in D.C. is set to open on Juneteenth.

Urban Garden Brewing, a new brewery in Northwest Washington, will officially open its doors on June 19th. This marks a significant moment for the craft beer industry in the District, as it will be the first brick-and-mortar brewery owned by a Black woman. WTOP News reports that the founder, Eamoni Collier, is a D.C.

native who has been working towards this goal for several years. Located at 624 T St. NW in Shaw, the brewery will occupy the former location of Right Proper Brewing near the Howard Theatre.

Collier gained experience while working at Right Proper before venturing out on her own. She spent years contract brewing and searching for the perfect permanent space for her brewery. What sets Urban Garden Brewing apart is their focus on botanicals, herbs, and flowers in their beer menu.

This is a unique concept, as many craft breweries tend to feature hop-forward beers. Collier shared with WTOP News that they wanted to explore different botanicals and bring out the essence of the beer, rather than focusing solely on creating hoppy brews. On their Instagram page, Urban Garden Brewing shared a sneak peek of their beautiful space, featuring a cozy outdoor seating area and a modern indoor taproom.

The grand opening will also include a special tribute to Collier's grandfather, a go-go musician who performed at the Howard Theatre with the legendary Chuck Brown. The Joe Tate Listening Lounge will showcase vinyl records and artwork honoring his legacy. The lack of diversity in the craft brewing industry has been a prevalent issue, with data from the Brewers Association showing that ownership is predominantly white and male.

Collier hopes to change that by creating a space that reflects broader representation. She shared with WTOP News that she noticed the lack of diversity while working in the industry and was motivated to make a difference. The grand opening of Urban Garden Brewing will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m.

on June 19th. Guests can enjoy live go-go performances, a beer garden, floral activities, and collaborations with Black-owned businesses. This event is a celebration not only for the brewery but also for diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry.

In a time where representation and inclusivity are more important than ever, Urban Garden Brewing is making a significant impact. Cheers to Eamoni Collier and her team for creating a welcoming and diverse space for beer lovers in the District.