As stewards of UjimaSouth, an exploration of Black philanthropy in the South, Kelli and I love sharing giving stories. We see this as a powerful way to expand what Black philanthropy looks like. Houston is a leading culinary destination and it is exciting to share and participate in the inaugural Houston Black Restaurant Week which takes place April 3-10, 2016. As foodies we celebrate Black Restaurant Week and look forward to supporting both new places and one of our favorites – Holley’s.
Below are five questions we asked the creators of Black Restaurant Week. We hope that you take advantage of the good food while making a difference for a community organization. For more information visit www.houbrw.com.
Please describe BRW and why it was created.
Black Restaurant Week is a city wide celebration of Black restaurants and chefs in the Houston area. Houston Black Restaurant Week will feature signature prix-fixe dining menus and special meals for brunch, lunch and dinner, at various dining establishments, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting local non-profit organization Change Happens!.
We wanted to create a week to highlight the Black culinary experience from the African Diaspora. We are excited to highlight African, African-American, and Caribbean restaurants.
What do you hope to achieve?
We hope to succeed in our mission of increasing the awareness, support and patronization of Black restaurants and chefs in the city; While at the same time, raising money for a worthy cause.
As a fundraising initiative how did you choose your featured non-profit? Were there specific elements your required?
We wanted to feature a non-profit that was local, as well as Black-owned and operated. We also appreciated the fact that Change Happens! caters to predominantly African-American communities in Third Ward and Acres Homes. We felt that these elements coincided with our mission of #HOUBRW.
Does the featured non-profit, Change Happens! have a role in BRW?
The role of Change Happens! will solely consist of being the beneficiary of partial proceeds raised from Houston Black Restaurant Week.
How do you describe your giving?
A portion of the proceeds from Houston Black Restaurant Week will benefit Change Happens! In addition, we hope that by highlighting Change Happens!, we will increase the awareness and support of the organization; in turn, providing more aid to those in need.
Giving is more than just about a charitable donation. It is an effort effort by an individual or organization, based on an altruistic desire to improve another’s life and well-being.