By Cheryl Smith
I am so proud of Kitchen+Kocktails By Kevin Kelley.
I was celebrating Black Press Week in the nation’s capital, with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) last week. What an exciting time. It was on March 16, 1827 when the first issue of Freedom’s Journal was published — the first African American owned and operated newspaper in this country. The owners were John Brown Russworm and Samuel Cornish.
On the front page, the following statement appeared:
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”
Which brings me to my truth.
There are some serious truths about the so-called mainstream press.
If you hear people complaining about inequities or racist coverage in 2024, imagine how it was 197 years ago.
The Black Press had a noble beginning and there were valiant men and women who sacrificed everything to provide Black people with a voice.
I can’t help but believe that if they were here today; they would be disappointed that percentage-wise fewer Black people are supportive of the institution they lived, fought and died for.
So as I gathered with other publishers from across the country my heart was full with pride. These soldiers without swords were carrying the torch. They were speaking up and speaking out.
What can I say? I tried to imagine the challenges over the decades, as we march toward 200 years of the Black Press.
The love I feel for the Black Press is so strong, because I so deeply believe in what I am doing; telling the stories of our people from the rooter to the tooter (essentially the beginning to the ending). There was a time when the Black Press covered Black people from the time they were born until they died.
That meant you got to hear about the birth, going to school, events they participated in, graduations, church programs, society programs and organizations, employment, and more.
Someone went off to college, and they graduated, and some were drafted into the military. We read about all of that.
There were the engagements, marriages, baby showers, and anniversaries.
We read about those returning home from the military; and sadly we learned of the death of those who didn’t come home.
Still further, the Black Press informed about promotions, and job retirements.
It was especially nice to read about those wonderful family reunions. And then, we also learned through our Black Press, about the deaths.
It was so different from what we read about in other publications.
That’s probably why more than 150 years after the birth of the Black Press, the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators, under the leadership of the group that was affectionately called the “Dallas Mafia,” began holding community forums — “How to get in the news without committing murder!”
It seemed the only way Blacks were covered in the main- stream, for the most part, was if they committed a crime So every year we come together and we celebrate the founding of the Black Press, and we celebrate the courageous men and women who made sure that today we could look back, and read about the rich history of Black people in America in our Black newspapers.
Now back to Kitchen+Kocktails.
When NNPA was not taking care of business, we had to eat. Folks suggested places.
I remembered that while they originated in Dallas, TX, they had a restaurant in Washington DC, so I suggested it to fellow publishers.
I knew it was a stretch, because this place is very popular, and for good reason.
I didn’t know if we’d be able to get in so I called a former coworker from our days at Paul Quinn college, who happens to be the mom of Kevin Kelley; the owner of the restaurant. And I called his sister Deanna who, like her brother, was in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program and did the equivalent of throwing a hat in the air.
I was so pleased with Kitchen+Kocktails.
From the time we walked in, they treated us special, but guess what they treated everybody special and that was so heartwarming.
The staff was on point. The food was great.
When they said “catfish” — they served great catfish, not Swai! Our crew really liked the black-eyed peas, lamb chops, and everything placed before them!
One of the publishers, Chair- man Bobby Henry, is my classmate from Florida A&M University decided he couldn’t eat all of his Bread Pudding so he gifted me.
Lo and behold later that night I get a call because he wants his bread pudding.
I told him it was Black history! Two days later we returned.
One of the publishers, Brian Townsend talked about how he enjoyed the experience and I was just beaming inside. They found the price to be affordable, the food to be wonderful and they really enjoyed themselves, especially when the chef came to greet us!
In 1827 you didn’t have a choice, you had to eat Black, but you have one in 2024 and if it was good for you then why is it not good for you today?
To the entire Kitchen+Kocktails family, I get choked up even writing about the experience because I am so proud of you all.
Back at the hotel we told the concierge about our experience and how reasonable the meal was for the portions and taste.
NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Ben Chavis, with three other members of our group also enjoyed Kitchen+Kocktails.
It was wonderful!
As we go about our lives, we need to understand we need the Black Press and we need Black businesses, like Kitchen+Kocktails.
Please search deep, down deep, and make a commitment to support those who are committed to supporting us!
After all, you shouldn’t ask people to do for you what you won’t do!
Kitchen+Kocktails completed their assignment with flying colors! Our ancestors would be proud, like I am!
