As we celebrate Black history month, we want to highlight the stories of Black entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and industries. One such story is that of Richard and Mengistu Koilor, the founders of Two Locals Brewing Co., Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery.

The Koilor brothers have always had a passion for beer and brewing. They started out with a simple one-gallon kit in 2016 and soon joined the Philadelphia Homebrew Club to learn more and improve their skills. They even won a silver medal for their Nubian brown ale in 2019, a beer that pays homage to their African heritage.

But they also noticed something missing in the Philadelphia beer scene: diversity and representation. They realized that there were no Black-owned breweries in the city, and very few Black brewers or customers. They decided to change that by launching their own brewery, Two Locals Brewing Co., with a mission to create quality beers that celebrate and reflect the diversity of their community.

The journey to opening their brewery was not easy, however. The brothers faced many challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it harder to secure funding and find a suitable location. They also encountered some racial barriers, as they felt that their race played a role in their loan approval process.

But they did not give up on their dream. They persevered and found an investor and a loan from PIDC Philadelphia, a public-private economic development corporation. They also found a perfect spot for their brewery and taproom at the uCity Square development on Drexel University’s campus, a vibrant and innovative area in West Philadelphia.

The brothers signed a lease to open their brewery in the summer of 2023, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The nearly 6,000-square-foot space will feature a visible 15-barrel brew house and a cozy and welcoming taproom. The brothers hope to attract a diverse and inclusive crowd of beer lovers, as well as to inspire and mentor other aspiring Black brewers.

“We want to be a representation for people who look like us,” said Mengistu Koilor. “We want to show them that they can do this too.”

Two Locals Brewing Co. is more than just a brewery. It is a symbol of hope, resilience, and empowerment. It is a testament to the brothers’ love for beer and their community. And it is a celebration of Black history and culture, not just in February, but all year round.

To learn more about Two Locals Brewing Co. and support their brewery, visit their website here (https://www.twolocalsbrewing.com).