It’s not all that common among incoming college freshmen to say they are there on a beer scholarship, but thanks to Harlem Hops, students in the community have a sporting chance of making it into an historically black college or university (HBCU).
The craft beer bar, which just turned two and a half, is owned by three HBCU graduates —Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris, Stacey Lee — who are determined to give something back to the community. To this end, they started up a 501c3 foundation called Harlem Hopes, to which provides scholarships to offset the cost of education at an HBCU for native Harlem residents.
Harlem Hops has also become a standard-bearer in the movement to increase diversity in the world of craft beer.
The Harlem Hops team’s largess is also apparent in its outreach during the COVID pandemic. The bar has delivered food to the 75 members of housekeeping staff at Mt. Sinai
Morningside Hospital in Harlem. While doctors and nurses have been deservedly receiving attention and support from the city for their efforts, the housekeeping crew has also been doing essential work that may put them at risk.
Harlem Hops, 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., 646-998-3444.
