local
New film tells story of Minnesota’s first Black woman to become a head brewer
By Anna Nguyen at Sahan Journal
· June 17, 2026
· 7 min read
Most days at Modist Brewing Co., Bri Smith is focused on the same responsibilities as any head brewer: managing production, supporting her team, and solving whatever problems come up along the way.
At the same time, she’s navigating an industry where she doesn’t often see people who look like...
Key takeaway , Smith tells her story in a 10-minute film, “Fermenting Our Place,” which celebrates her achievement and shows what it has taken to build her career.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Bri Smith's achievement as Minnesota's first Black woman head brewer has significant implications for the local craft beer industry, where diversity and representation have been lacking. Her story, as told in the film "Fermenting Our Place," may inspire others from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in brewing, potentially leading to a more inclusive and diverse industry in the Twin Cities. The film's exploration of environmental racism and urban space also raises important questions about access to resources and opportunities in Minneapolis , particularly in neighborhoods where breweries are often located. As the film screens at local breweries, it may spark conversations about the need for greater diversity and equity in the industry, and how breweries can work to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for patrons and employees from all backgrounds.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Most days at Modist Brewing Co., Bri Smith is focused on the same responsibilities as any head brewer: managing production, supporting her team, and solving whatever problems come up along the way.
At the same time, she’s navigating an industry where she doesn’t often see people who look like...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anna Nguyen at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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