Harry Weaver is a diversity consultant who works with public school districts in Michigan. Previously, he worked for the Anti-Defamation League in Michigan. In addition to his work with public school districts in Michigan, Weaver works as an activist to encourage racial diversity in the craft beer industry. ¹

In November 2019, Weaver signed a contract with the Chippewa Valley Schools district in Michigan to become their diversity, equity, and school culture consultant. The contract has been extended past its initial expiration date. ²

Early Life

Harry Weaver graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in history and minors in political science and African-American studies. ³

Weaver then went to work for the Anti-Defamation League in Michigan as an education director. He would leave the organization in 2018 to launch his own company, Intentional Diversity Solutions, LLC. ⁴

In 2012, Weaver was shot and paralyzed from the waist down after a botched armed robbery on Detroit’s east side. Weaver spent months in the hospital learning how to regain some basic functions through therapy and rehabilitation. ⁵

Work With School Districts

In 2018, the Chippewa Valley Schools district in Michigan hired Weaver on a part-time basis to serve as the district’s diversity, equity, and school culture consultant. Weaver is paid $45 per hour and does not receive benefits. Weaver is paid out of a grant, so no general fund money is used to pay him. ⁶

The district and Weaver’s goals for the consultancy include implementing professional development programs to increase cultural awareness and student support strategies; providing student programming on cultural awareness and positive behavior supports; and fostering a welcoming atmosphere within the district. ⁷

Craft Beer Industry Activism

After surviving a near-fatal shooting in 2012, Weaver was worried that he could not enjoy some of the things he could enjoy before he became paralyzed, particularly craft beers. In 2013, Weaver and a friend started the Brewz Brothaz Facebook group, which eventually grew into a podcast. The goal of the group and podcast was to provide opportunities for black and brown craft beer enthusiasts to talk about their hobby and push for greater representation in the craft beer and liquor industries. ⁸

In 2020, Brewz Brothaz partnered with the Batch Brewing Company to produce “Black is Beautiful” beer. The beer was made in a bourbon barrel with raspberry, dark chocolate, and espresso and has 10% alcohol by volume. The proceeds from the sale of the beer were donated to the Bail Project, an organization opposed to cash bail. ⁹

1. Hooper, Ryan Patrick. “How Detroit’s Brewz Brothaz Are Bringing Black Brew Fans Into The Fold”.” May 3, 2021. Hour Detroit Magazine. https://www.hourdetroit.com/drinks-beverages/how-detroits-brewz-brothaz-is-bringing-black-brew-fans-into-the-fold/.
2. Szwarc, Alex. 2020. “CVS Names New Diversity, School Culture Consultant”.” C And G Newspapers. January 15, 2020. https://www.candgnews.com/news/cvs-names-new-diversity-school-culture-consultant-116530.
3. “Harry Weaver III”.” Linkedin. Accessed December 6, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-weaver-iii-04065a6/.
4. “Harry Weaver III”.” Linkedin. Accessed December 6, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-weaver-iii-04065a6/.
5. Hooper, Ryan Patrick. “How Detroit’s Brewz Brothaz Are Bringing Black Brew Fans Into The Fold”.” May 3, 2021. Hour Detroit Magazine. https://www.hourdetroit.com/drinks-beverages/how-detroits-brewz-brothaz-is-bringing-black-brew-fans-into-the-fold/.
6.  Szwarc, Alex. 2020. “CVS Names New Diversity, School Culture Consultant”.” C And G Newspapers. January 15, 2020. https://www.candgnews.com/news/cvs-names-new-diversity-school-culture-consultant-116530.
7.  Szwarc, Alex. 2020. “CVS Names New Diversity, School Culture Consultant”.” C And G Newspapers. January 15, 2020. https://www.candgnews.com/news/cvs-names-new-diversity-school-culture-consultant-116530.
8. Hooper, Ryan Patrick. “How Detroit’s Brewz Brothaz Are Bringing Black Brew Fans Into The Fold”.” May 3, 2021. Hour Detroit Magazine. https://www.hourdetroit.com/drinks-beverages/how-detroits-brewz-brothaz-is-bringing-black-brew-fans-into-the-fold/.
9. Stitt, Chanel. “Batch Brewing Company Is Launching A New Beer: What’s Behind Latest Creation”.” Detroit Free Press. July 9, 2020. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/07/09/batch-brewing-company-detroit-beer-black-beautiful/5401879002/.