" Liquid " Black Spirits Legacy Lounge

315 East Warren Avenue,Detroit MI 48201

29 September, 2022

Description

Liquid is a talk back and panel discussion with industry professionals. The forum prioritize topics in regards to manufacturing, development, distribution, distilling, investment capital and packaging. We will also share our thoughts on how we can collectively shape the future for African American spirit brands. Presented by Black Spirits Legacy, LLC is branding and marketing management company that provides distribution opportunities for African American spirits companies. Vanessa Braxton Owner of Black Momma Vodka Gravesande & Braxton Distillers Vanessa Braxton is the First African-American Woman Master Distiller and Master Blender as awarded the New York State Proclamation by the Legislator, 16th District for such an accomplishment. Owner and Operator of a Nationally Distributed Vodka in the United States as known in the Trade Since 2012. Vanessa Braxton 100% owns the Distillery, Manufacturing Facility and a 15 Acre Farm Grow House. Vanessa Braxton was awarded NY State Proclamation as the First African American Woman Master Distiller and Master Blender in in the United States . Vanessa Braxton 100% owns the Distillery, Manufacturing Facility and a 15 Acre Farm Grow House. Kevin John, President/Operations North America In a sun-drenched suburb or New Port Richey, Florida, there’s a small-batch distillery making award-winning craft vodkas. Founded by a father-son team, IslandJon Vodka and their spirits celebrates legacy, heritage, and the soothing warm sun and lush landscapes of the Caribbean. IslandJon Vodka was founded by Levi and Kevin John. Hailing from the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, Levi has spent his life on stage and traveling the world as a musician. In his decades of island living and world travel, Levi learned that there is nothing more important than embracing unforgettable moments. It’s this attitude that IslandJon Vodka is distilling their award-winning craft vodkas. Chaunci King is a Pacific Northwest beverage industry pioneer and the award-winning owner of Royalty Spirits. As the first black woman to own a liquor brand on the West Coast,Chaunci also helps consult and mentor other small beverage businessleaders. She has been recognized twice by Forbes magazine as ashining spirits CEO and has received the Bey Good award from Beyoncé.Chaunci has been featured in Forbes, Party Digest, Whole FoodsMagazine and Good Spirit News. She has appeared in tv and podcastssuch as Black Network Channel for being a disrupter in the beverageindustry.She is looking to be a disrupter once again by being the first black distillery owner on the West Coast and is looking for your support. Amani MacaulayCo-Founder, B&M Craft Spirits LLC Amani is a co-founder of B&M Craft Spirits, creator of the award-winning Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey. Prior to B&M Craft Spirits, Amani spent 11 years as an investment banker in New York and Sydney, Australia with Guggenheim Securities and Lehman Brothers / Nomura Securities, advising clients on mergers & acquisitions, capital raising and other corporate finance and strategic initiatives. Before his banking career, Amani spent 3 years as an executive compensation consultant with Towers Perrin. Amani holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Policy Analysis & Management / Consumer Economics from Cornell University. Kavy Lenon Supplier Diversity Manager ( Meijer) Kavy Lenon serves as the Supplier Diversity Manager for Meijer. For the past decade, Kavy has been a contributor in promoting growth of diverse owned businesses through various opportunities by coaching, educating, advocating, and community outreach. Kavy gravitates to challenges and is motivated to solve complex business problems.  She successfully connects new business opportunities by utilizing the corporate value of inclusiveness and diversity  as a differentiator.  Kavy diligently works to create innovative ways to help raise internal and external awareness and connect diverse owned businesses with buyers, corporate partners, and business partners. Kavy current serves as the Vice President for the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable, Commissioner for the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, and Board of Director for the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation. She’s has been honored with the 2020 winner of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce Minority Advocate Award, 2021 Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders by DiversityPlus Magazine, and most recently 2022 Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocers. Malcolm Ellis Head of Diverse Investments Pronghorn/ Diageo We are Pronghorn—a stand-alone business dedicated to cultivating the next generation of diverse founders, executive leaders and entrepreneurs. Our initial aim is to apply industry-leading expertise while investing financial, individual and network capital to effectively support, grow and sustain Black-owned businesses in the spirits industry.