Local food and beer makers mark Black History Month
Among them: the recently opened Unity-Excellence-Legacy shop, which is dedicated exclusively to Black-owned businesses
Dehls Gourmet.
Gluten Fakery.
LOCAL ARTS GROUPS are marking Black History Month in various ways this month; so too are B.C.-based food and drink businesses.
Hybis Brands.
Now open year-round at Granville Island’s Net Loft, Unity, Excellence, Legacy (U-E-L) is a non-profit store owned by the Black Business Association of B.C. and the first of its kind in the province. Having grown out of a successful pop-up run, the shop showcases products from Black-owned businesses, artists, and creators—including culinary artists. Among the food items available are Calabash Caribbean Bistro’s spice blends (derived from co-owner Cullin David’s grandmother’s recipes); Gluten Fakery goodies by founding chef Lynn Griffiths; West African foods from Ghanaian-born chef Delali Adiamah’s Dehls Gourmet; and Hybis Brands' drinks, such as Hibisberry. Known as zobo in Nigeria, Hibiscus Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage that is ubiquitous throughout West Africa.
Throughout February, the Black Business Association of BC is hosting Meet the Vendor events at the 1,000-square-foot store.
Rise Up Marketplace.
Rise Up Marketplace is celebrating Black History Month with a special treat: throughout February, it’s giving away a home-made ginger cookie for free with the purchase of any sandwich or Jamaican patty. A staple ingredient in the Caribbean and African diaspora, ginger is an essential root used in teas, curries, meat and vegetable dishes, baked goods, and more, and is also beloved for its health benefits. The marketplace is also offering its Rise Up T-shirts on sale for $15 for the month of February. Rise Up Marketplace is the shared venture of childhood friends Rajesh “Rags” Narine (Cartems Donuts) and Roger Collins (Calabash Caribbean Bistro), who carry locally made foods as well as goods, clothing, and art by local makers, all to foster a sense of community.
Asha Wheeldon.
Kula Foods is marking Black History Month by encouraging people to support Black-owned businesses. Inspired by her East-African family recipes, Asha Wheeldon founded Kula Foods in 2018 to expand and promote Afro-veganism. (Kula products can also be found at U-E-L.) Kula’s ever-growing list of Black ventures can be found here. Among the local Black-owned food businesses included are Elbo Patties, Rich Sol Foods, Farafena, Mumgry, Lagoschop, Salt + Sear Catering, FARAFENA, Juicekadi Juice Co., Lion/s Den Café, Taps and Tacos, Berhan Teff, Princess Cuisine, Stricktly African Food, Treats by Sabby, Raphael’s Gourmet Food, The Patty Shop, I and I Jamaican Restaurant, Riddim N Spice, The High End Dinner, Yardie Grabs, VanSuya Foods, The Cake & The Giraffe, Lilise Fruit Butter, and more.
Barkerville Brewing Co. has made it its mission to honour B.C.’s history through beer. For Black History Month, the brewery has crafted a new beverage in recognition of B.C.’s first licensed dentist: William Allen Jones, aka Painless Jones. Licensed in 1886 under the British Columbia Dental Act, Jones was a former slave who came to B.C. with his two brothers. All three, graduates of Ohio’s Oberlin College, initially settled on Salt Spring Island. In hopes of striking gold, Jones and his youngest brother headed to Barkerville in B.C.’s Interior. After the American Civil War (1861 to1865), Jones returned to Oberlin College to complete his dental studies then made his way back to Barkerville. In 1895, William provided the Oberlin alumni office news about himself: “in Barkerville, working in gold mining and dentistry”. Jones died of pneumonia in 1897 and is buried in Barkerville’s Williams Creek Cemetery. When Barkerville was restored as a gold-rush-town tourist attraction, Jones’s dental office, complete with sign, chair, and instruments, became a feature on the main street.
Barkerville Brewing Co. is highligintng Jones’s historical significance with its Painless Jones Schwarzbier. The rich German-style lager (available via the website) has bread-like malts, a roasted and velvety character, a balance of hops and a slight sweetness, and a clean finish.
William Allen Jones, aka “Painless Jones”, Oberlin College Graduate. Class of 1857.
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