Byron's Babbles

Victoria Eady Butler told us yesterday at The Fifty-Six Society inauguration that her and Nearest Green Distillery’s Leadership philosophy was to “Pull as you climb.” I love this! Read more about my time with Victoria yesterday in You Can’t Script This: Leading Like Victoria Eady Butler.

When interviewed in 2023, Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Nearest Green Distillery, commented on making a commitment to investing in minority founded, owned and led companies, saying, “When you are an African American woman who has figured out a pathway to success within an industry that has historically been reserved for white males, it becomes your responsibility to turn around and pull as you climb.” If you want to know the whole story I highly recommend reading Fawn’s incredible book, Love & Whiskey.

The leadership philosophy of “turn around and pull as you climb” means that as we advance and achieve success, we actively support and uplift others along their own journeys. Instead of climbing the ladder alone or leaving others behind, leaders who adopt this approach prioritize empowering their team members, sharing opportunities, and fostering collective growth. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and mutual development, ensuring that progress is shared and that the success of one contributes to the success of many.

Yesterday, I had an incredible experience at Nearest Green Distillery. I was honored to be there in the inaugural class of the Fifty-Six Society. But first for those who might not know who Nathan “Nearest” Green, or Uncle Nearest is, here is the deal: Uncle Nearest Green had been a slave whose job was distilling whiskey on a farm just outside Lynchburg, Tennessee. He was the first known African American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of whiskey making. You can find out how I became so inspired by reading In Love With Justice, Part I.

Fawn Weaver discovered discovered that Uncle Nearest was the first African American master distiller, who played a crucial role in the history of whiskey-making in America. Inspired by his story, Weaver felt compelled to honor his legacy and shed light on his contributions, which had long been overlooked. This led Fawn to create the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand, focusing not only on producing high-quality whiskey but also on telling the story of Nearest Green.

Through her efforts, Weaver has not only revived his memory but has also launched initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry, ensuring that Green’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. If you tour Jack Daniel’ Distillery now you will find an exhibit dedicated to Nathan “Nearest” Green.

Now let’s fast forward to yesterday. As part of the Fifty-Six Society inauguration I got to spend time with Victoria Eady Butler. Wow, was I impressed. She is the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green. Victoria is now the Master Blender for Nearest Green Distillery and the first African American woman to hold this title in the American spirits industry. It was such an honor to spend time with, get to know, and learn from this great leader.

I asked Victoria what it was like to be Uncle Nearest’s great-great-granddaughter. She became very emotional and began a lesson in legacy that I will never forget. She said, “You can’t script this!” speaking of her great-great-grandfather having been the first African American master distiller for Jack Daniel and now her [Victoria] being the first African American woman to be a master distiller for Nearest Green Distillery some 160+ years later. Victoria shared, “What kept me going was the thought of ensuring everyone knew his [Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green] name.” Victoria also explained that being a part of making sure this story was never forgotten and helping to make sure other important stories were never forgotten gave her the courage to persevere in an industry that she and Fawn Weaver were not supposed to succeed in.

As an educator this all really resonated with me. I am a believer that every path matters. And all paths must be available to everyone. We’re not quite there yet, but with great leaders like Victoria Eady Butler and Fawn Weaver in the world as examples we can keep getting closer.