Please meet Zack Day (@zeedaay), The MJF Sir Geoff Palmer Award for Brewing: “I am Zack Day. One of three Co-Founders and Head of Brewing Operations for Funkytown Brewery (@funkytown_brewery), a Black-owned brewery in Chicago, IL that focuses on the beginner craft beer drinker by creating palatable malt forward brews with low bitterness and astringency. I was born and raised in Oak Park IL; a suburb located less than a mile outside Chicago limits. In my role, additional to Funkytown, I facilitate six group counseling sessions with young men of color in inner-city middle schools through a non-profit organization. My brewing journey started with taking a set of classes at Brew and Grow, a homebrewing supply store located on the north-side of Chicago. We gathered up $1,500, bought equipment and secured a brewing spot in my parents’ garage. From there, it was trial by fire. I’ve always considered myself a creative through art and music, and while there are similarities, brewing offers nuances and obstacles I need to be further imaginative. Coming into my sixth year of this discipline, I’ve enjoyed being able to learn, figure out issues in real time, expand my recipe knowledge to create beverages that people have enjoyed. Our homebrewing roots will always remain a visible part of our company and my individual identity, but the dedication to more education in craft shows a focus on integrity and quality for a product marketed to under-served groups. That said, I want to thank the Michael Jackson Foundation for this amazing opportunity. My goal is to be a staple in the community by being visible and providing brew education and youth counseling. This scholarship allows me to do both. “ Zack is applying to @siebelinstitute WBA Concise Course in Brewing. Next up: Joel Franklin