August is Black Business Month - but I celebrate year round!

Black Business Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we should stop looking for ways to support fellow Black entrepreneurs. For me, that is a goal personally and professionally. You will often find me wearing clothing from Black-owned brands like Flamekeepers, Diop, and The Privilege, and our restaurants source where possible from diverse suppliers, such as getting our injera bread from the incredible Ethiopian-owned Massawa restaurant in Harlem.?

I also strive to include Black creatives in my projects. My upcoming cookbook is co-written by the talented Jamila Robinson, and we worked with brilliant photographer Brittany Connerly for the visuals. The art in my restaurants features amazing artists like Dondre Stuetley, Beau McCall, and my Hav & Mar partner, Derrick Adams.??

Supporting Black businesses and uplifting our community has always been at the heart of what I do as we seek to narrow the disparity in generational wealth that disproportionality affects communities of color. Back in 2009, we launched Harlem EatUp!, a festival dedicated to showcasing the incredible businesses, restaurants, and entrepreneurs that make our community vibrant. We’ve now expanded EatUp! to Overtown in Miami as part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and will be announcing new locations soon!?

Black people have profoundly shaped the fabric of America yet often lack the same access to resources and recognition as others in the culinary world. I’m committed to using my platform to elevate and support the talented individuals from marginalized communities who deserve to be seen and celebrated.