Winner crowned in annual MLK Cook-off
By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Photo Credit: Sylvia Powers
The Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo Macaroni & Cheese Cook-off has awarded its winner! Jacquline Williams delivered the first place version of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite dishes, as determined by celebrity judges, on Jan. 19, 2026 during the event held at the South Dallas Cultural Center in Dallas, TX.
Williams’ “Old School Mac and Cheese” got the top score from judges Jazzi Black of 97.9 The Beat, Scoop Jefferson of WFAA-TV, former Ms. Texas Belinda Ramsey Cavett and Food Network star Brent Reaves of Smokey John’s, Inc.
The second place winner was Cheron Sneed’s “Mac and Cheese” and third place went to Felicia “Chef Fee” Guimont’s “Smoky Mac.”
Additional participants in the cook-off were VirLinda Stanton and Alethea West.
Healthy Living Expo Cook-off co-chairs Eva D. Coleman and Marva Sneed announced that next year’s Dr. King favorite for competition will be pecan pie.
Congratulations to all and kudos to the judges for completing a tasty task in search of the best! See you in 2027!
