Stop Hating On Detroit. Seriously.

I spent a few days in Detroit and came back a believer! PLUS, get FREE tickets to a few upcoming food related events.

Forget everything you’ve heard about Detroit! Well, don’t forget it all (because some of what you’ve heard may be good) just keep this one thing in mind: one man’s yuck is another man’s yum. Running Black Food Fridays has given me the opportunity to meet many talented chefs and creatives from the Motor City. Yet, parallel to those positive interactions, is this constant online chatter that paints Detroit in a negative light. I’m 100% sure that the city can improve—what city couldn’t?—but my experience led me to believe that there’s probably a bunch of people talking about Detroit who have never actually stepped foot in that town.

Detroit Owes Me Nothing.

And again, I’m not saying that everything is sweet when you’re #OnTheLodgeWitIt. I definitely saw my fair share of vacant properties, burnt out homes, unhoused individuals, and pot-marked streets but I can say the same about New York City and I bet a lot of Detroit’s detractors are HUGE fans of the Big Apple.

My theory? People hate on Detroit because it’s a Black city. And when I say “Black city”, I mean overwhelmingly Black. For context, of the 629,000+ residents of Detroit, 76% of the residents identify as Black and only 11% identify as white. All those Black people in one city? That’s a bit much for most people (CORRECTION: It’s a bit much for people who are anti-Black) but not for a man who runs an online platform for the elevation of Black food! Anyway, if anyone from Visit Detroit is reading this, let’s talk shop. I can’t wait to come back to meet new people and pick up some more menus!

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

• Registration information for the People’s Pizza Party.

• My conversation with James Beard Award winner, Anthony Edwards Jr. is now open to all.

• Get free tickets for both the Utility Show in Chicago and the Kulture Share Summer Lounge Series.

FRIDAY’S PIZZA PARTY.

THIS FRIDAY I’m linking with the South Carolina Tenet Union to host my first People’s Pizza Party! It’s happening on May 9, 2025 and in addition to getting some FREE pizza, attendees will also learn about South Carolina eviction laws, write postcard(s) encouraging elected officials to vote YES on H. 4270 (aka the Eviction Record Sealing Act), and make friends in the fight for obtainable housing! Spots are limited but if you live in SC and want to make your voice heard on this important issue, please sign up today. PS — I’ve already been contacted to host another one, this Summer. If that happens, I’ll be sure to tell you all about it.

REGISTER: The People’s Pizza Party (Partiful)

SIGN-UP FOR THIS TALK.

I rescheduled my talk with 2025 James Beard Impact Award winner, Anthony Edwards, Jr. Our new date is June 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST, closer to the Beard Awards. This conversation is open to everyone so register today!

REGISTER: In Conversation with Anthony Edwards, Jr. (ZOOM)

FREE TICKETS FOR UTILITY SHOW.

I have a promo code to give you FREE TICkETS to the upcoming Utility Show in Chicago! For the unfamiliar, Utility is a new, two-day trade show designed to offer an indie-friendly opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, and small business owners to make connections AND deals. The show starts on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 AM CST and features panel discussions, vendors, and a pitch competition with a $20,000 prize attached to it! It’s too late to apply for the pitch competition, but not too late to get FREE TICKETS! Use promo code “BFF.UTILITY” at check out to get your complimentary tickets.

GET TICKETS: Utility Show (Website)

KULTURE SHARE SUMMER SERIES.

The Kulture Share Summer Lounge Series is designed for members of the hospitality and beverage industries. Happening once a month, from June to September, these events will showcase how Kulture Share technology is revolutionizing consumer data engagement. Attendees can discover emerging beverage brands and industry trends through Kulture Share's blockchain technology-driven content. As for what Kulture Share is, according to their website, “Kulture Share is a cutting-edge engagement platform that leverages NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR code technology to transform how people interact with brands, events, and merchandise.” If that piques your interest, you have four chances to see what it’s all about.

My newsletter subscribers can get FREE general admission tickets by using the promo code “MME”. If you want 50% off of the VIP experience, just use code “DISCOUNT” at check out.

GET TICKETS: Kulture Share Summer Lounge Series (Eventbrite)

As far as my #RoadTo500Menus is concerned, I was able to collect a few while in Detroit. One from Paramita (a dope vinyl record listening lounge), one from breadless (check out my sweet potato grilled sammich video on IG), one from the Sepia Coffee Project (Martell, the owner, is an inspiration), and one from Yum Village (the Afro-fusion cuisine was out of this world)! I’m at 15 menus now but I just got a new batch mailed to me, so that number will be increasing soon!

WANT TO MAIL ME A MENU?

Black Food Fridays

7620 Rivers Ave

Suite 370, PMB 308;

North Charleston, SC 29406

— KJ