Temperance Beer Co., located at 2000 West Dempster Street, announced in a release this afternoon that it would contribute 100 percent of the profits from the sale of its brand new beer, Where I’m From, a homage to the Digable Planets’ song of the same name, to the City of Evanston's Reparations Fund.
“I am so proud of the leadership that the City Council has shown with the fund,” Temperance founder and Evanston native Josh Gilbert said. “It’s just a start, but it’s an important start, and we wanted to lend our voice and financial support in a way that will hopefully inspire others.”
The Evanston Reparations Initiative is the first reparations effort of any government body in the country. It passed City Council in November 2019.
Gilbert describes the beer--Where I'm From--as a hazy India Pale Ale with vanilla, tangerine, and orange peel.
“Evanstonians have fierce hometown pride,” he says, “so we are proudly proclaiming where we’re from — and where we’re going — through this beer.”
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5), who introduced the reparations initiative to the Evanston City Council, said Temperance has always been a thoughtful ally in showcasing Black culture.
"I was not surprised to learn that Josh Gilbert was not only in support, but ready to take action, and commissioned the incredible talent of Maia Faith Hadaway for the artwork,” she said.
Hadaway, who graduated from ETHS last year, designed the label.
“I felt honored that Temperance entrusted me with bringing the visual representation of reparations in Evanston to life,” the 19-year-old artist said.
Her design, which is suitable for framing, shows two characters that are “separate yet connected.”
"As Evanston moves forward together, we are turning over a new and necessary leaf. When focusing specifically on the Black community, the tree signifies roots (history) and strength.”
The background, Hadaway explained, a pale yellow/beige color, makes one think of something old (the past), "while the lush green of the leaves stands out, showing the possibility of life. The leaves are not static, but rustling in the wind — the wind of change,” she said.
You can follow Maia on instagram @happygolefty.art.
“As our community works to develop remedy policies, it is important that we grow our fund to meet the goals for our Black community,” said Rue Simmons.
Where I'm From is available in 4-pack 12 oz cans to go and 12 oz draft pours in the Beer Garden.
Another Evanston company, Mack's Bike and Goods at 2536 Ewing Ave, recently committed 1% of its tax revenue to the City's Reparations Fund.
In addition to funding provided by a 3% tax on local marijuana sales, individuals and organizations may donate to the fund. Rue Simmons hopes more and more business, organizations, and individuals will follow these early supporters.
How to contribute
To make a contribution to the City of Evanston Reparations Fund, click here
To make a contribution to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority Fund, click here.
What's the difference between the funds?
The City of Evanston Fund was established in 2019 to redress harms against the Black community where harms can be legally established. The 3% sales tax from cannabis sales are directed to this fund. The immediate priorities and scope of this fund are homeownership and economic development in the Black community.
The Reparations Stakeholder Authority recently established the Evanston Reparations Community Fund, held by the Evanston Community Foundation, This fund will respond to additional concerns in the Black community such health disparities, particularly mental health and trauma, and other inequities. This fund is governed exclusively by a body of Black Evanston leaders, advocates, and residents who will receive recommendations and requests for funds from the Black community and administer the funds.
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