Madison Black Restaurant Week, an annual event highlighting the hard-working local Black-owned businesses that contribute to Madison’s economy, takes on special meaning this year, for a number of reasons.
First among them is the fact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hit the restaurant industry hard, but especially Black-owned restaurants.
“The pandemic has created a very negative impact on many Black-owned restaurants and unfortunately we had to say goodbye to a few that needed to close due to low revenue and a lack of business,” explains Camille Carter, president of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce.
Carter says most others are small, family-run operations that continue to work hard to keep their doors open, noting how many restaurants have found ways to adapt. Offering safety and convenience options such as curbside ordering and food delivery have been their key focus.
Another reason why the fifth annual event resonates more this year than others is that the pioneer of the weeklong event, Ms. Milele Chikasa Anana, passed away in May at the age of 86.
“Ms. Milele’s life’s work was to empower Black businesses, and creating Black Restaurant Week was something she was very proud of,” Carter says. “The same characteristics she displayed, including passion, dedication, and integrity, I see in our local Black restaurants.”
This year’s Black Restaurant Week is dedicated to Ms. Milele, as she was affectionately known, for her commitment to uplifting Black businesses, families, and Black youth. The Madison Black Chamber is asking the community to support her legacy and make a donation to her scholarship at the Goodman Community Center in care of Women In Focus. This scholarship supports a Madison student attending a Historically Black College/University (HBCU).
For this year’s event, taking place Sunday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 23., more than 30 restaurants, food carts, caterers, and specialty food service providers will take part.
Due to COVID-19, the week has been designed to meet customer safety and confidence levels. New this year, is the launch of the Marketplace BRW online web store and app, available on the chamber’s website, which will give customers the opportunity to preorder items from participating caterers, dessert preparers, and specialty shops. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices and will launch Aug. 16 and will be open for preorder sales through Aug. 19. Customers will be able to pick up their orders from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 in the FEED Kitchens parking lot at 1219 N. Sherman Ave.
Additionally, a Strolling Walk Up and To-Go Jamboree Taste will take place the same day from 2 to 5 p.m. at the same location. The event will feature $5 sample entrees by caterers and food carts and follow extra safety precautions to help ensure social distancing for the health and wellness of visitors and vendors.
“Due to the current circumstances, locals will find that we’ve made several enhancements to Black Restaurant Week so they can still enjoy a full experience of Black culture, cuisine, and talents of numerous Black-owned businesses, but in a safe and socially responsible manner,” Carter says.
Online ordering — beginning Aug. 16 — and a full list of participants can be found at madisonblackchamber.com/black-restaurant-week/.
Creating a culture of change
A recent study from WalletHub ranked Wisconsin 50 out of 51 for racial equality, trailing only the District of Columbia on factors including median annual household income, unemployment, homeownership, poverty, and homelessness.
While Carter admits these are embarrassing statistics, she says we must also think about solutions and how we can reverse this trend.
“As an economic development agency, we know that investing in Black-owned businesses is a good decision that helps build a better Madison and strengthen our community,” notes Carter. “It is essential to support and patronize these businesses because the sustainability of their operations will have direct and lasting impacts to our neighborhoods and school districts. We know that when businesses are healthy, they will hire employees at above living wages, unemployment rates will decrease, and homeownership will increase.
“As residents of Wisconsin, we need a conscientious mindset to improve our community for all,” Carter continues. “Intentional actions can influence improvements for more equitable outcomes that stimulate growth and change. Celebrating Black Restaurant Week and supporting local businesses is just one solution to improve and grow into a more thriving economy.”
Carter notes it’s important now more than ever that the Madison community comes together to support local businesses. But for Black-owned businesses, it goes beyond merely spending dollars.
“Yes, please patronize our Black-owned businesses as they really need the support to keep them strong,” states Carter. “Additionally, people can support the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce as we graciously receive financial donations to assist in the delivery of services and programming to our businesses and members. We actively seek volunteers and technical assistance partners and business professionals to share talents and resources. We really need business coaches and mentors who we can leverage to help guide our business successfully as they navigate turbulent, uncertain times.”
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