Real Men Cook®’s virtual Father’s Day Celebration turned into a homage to the Black family and what sustains them: Good health, healthy food, and a healthy lifestyle.
This, according to Yvette Moyo, co-founder, equals healthy families and is the key to building healthy communities. It is the central theme of Real Men Charities, the charitable arm of Real Men Cook. And, in keeping with its theme, its corporate headquarters at the Quarry Event Center dedicated Father’s Day to hosting the live-stream event and to serving the community.
Chef Dre Williams, the Quarry’s master chef, camped a trailer in the Quarry’s private parking lot where intimate tables were set up in a manner that was conscious of social distancing guidelines. Under a bright sunny sky, dinner was served. At the same time, the trailer – operated by Chef Dre introduced Signature Plates at the Quarry, launching in August of this year, and granted Quarry neighbors the opportunity to sample free Grab and Go meals.
This outreach effort paralleled the Charities’ commitment to serving free meals, an effort they have led in partnership with South Shore Works and the Greater Chicago Food Depository since Mother’s Day during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the three-hour live stream, the themes of family, food, fathers, and fun dominated the conversation. Driving the exchange were friends, world-celebrated chefs, sponsors, supporters, Real Men Charities’ board members, community activists, and of course relatives. A quartet of “Daddy’s Girls,” the original women who recruited men to the inaugural event, had fond remembrances. They included women credited with helping the founders launch the first Real Men Cook event; Dr. Carol Adams, Devorah Crable, Pepper Miller and Marti Worell. With family at the center of the conversation, participants reflected on Real Men Cook’s 31-year-run.
The event’s evolution, growth trajectory and vision were front and center. But, at its heart was the importance of fathers and Black men and how this event and the year-long mission of Real Men Charities have uplifted those it serves. This year’s event marked the start of its fourth decade, which was a formidable milestone.
Real Men Charities also took the occasion of Men’s Health Month in June to put a spotlight on the critical importance of eating well, staying mentally, physically and spiritually fit and living life positively. Men and staff engaged in a series of activities aimed at raising the importance of men’s health. Central to the three-hour Celebration was the gratitude to Yvette Moyo and Kofi Moyo for birthing this much-celebrated and copied event and brand that has become a Father’s Day tradition and template.
Throughout the live stream were comments, high praise, and affirmations. Because of their vision, participants said that the Moyos “were ahead of the curve.”
Ramonski Luv, DJ of 95.1 FM Chicago, “The Heartbeat of Soul” the event’s broadcast partner – served as the MC. Ramonski, a legendary radio personality has been part of the Chicago radio scene for 40 years. He is in the popular morning drive slot that Tom Joyner vacated when he retired. For the first 90 minutes, he helmed the livestream along with television journalist Ed Gordon. Because of 95.1 FM Chicago’s global reach, those who downloaded its app could enjoy the fun in such points as Harlem, London, Paris, the continent of Africa – and more! Rael Jackson, Brand Strategist for the event, welcomed everyone, articulated the purpose of Real Men Cook, and provided an overview of the event through the years, as well as a salute to his bonus-father, Kofi Moyo. His sister, Ki-Afi Moyo who has participated as a leader in the organization in Detroit and brother, Yosheyah Moyo, were also featured paying tributes and adding enthusiasm for their parent’s work and the event. Also front and center was Yvette Moyo, co-founder, who has been the inspiration and light for Real Men Cook. Her passion, dedication, and love of family and Black men, have motivated her to keep the event alive, thriving, and a much-anticipated celebration. Ramonski set the tone by sharing insights on the meaning and significance of Real Men Cook. “This is about fatherhood, brotherhood, feeding the belly but also feeding our soul.” He also urged the public to contribute to Real Men Charities, which must be sustained to continue its great work.
Two of the most poignant stories came from Co-Host Ed Gordon and Daniel O. Ash, associate vice president of community impact at The Chicago Community Trust. Reminiscing, Gordon revealed that his father died when he was 11. While there was a void, Gordon said that a man on the block — Fred Hudson – became a father figure. Hudson, who was an executive at Ford Motor Company, guided him through his formative years. Gordon said that he cherished Hudson and still seeks his counsel. Reflecting on the important role Hudson played in his life, Gordon said, “I think we have to start loving one another as men.”
Real Men Charities also took the occasion of Men’s
Health Month in June to put a spotlight on the critical
importance of eating well, staying mentally, physically
and spiritually fit and living life positively. Men and
staff engaged in a series of activities aimed at raising
the importance of men’s health.
At the other end of the spectrum, Daniel O. Ash revealed that he was adopted. He credits his father with saving his life. “Had I not been embraced by him,” declared Ash, “I would have been part of the system.” He said that his adopted father’s influence shaped him and influences him to support events that honor Black fathers. He said the Chicago Community Trust supports relief efforts food donation initiatives sponsored by Real Men Charities and the South Side Drive Magazine.
As part of his narrative, he introduced his son…. with pride and love. Walidah Tureaud, Community Relations Manager, Office of Community Affairs – Urban Health Initiative (UHI) – University of Chicago Medicine, pointed out why they have been a sponsor since 2008. “We support Real Men Cook because its message is to nurture healthy fathers and healthy lifestyles.” She said the University of Chicago fans out to the community and engages in health fairs, radio shows, and other means to promote healthy foods and to “engage the best we can.” “We look forward to providing continued support,” she added. Monty Ross – filmmaker, served as a producer of many of Spike Lee’s iconic films including, She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Blues, and Malcolm X. Monty first met and connected with the Moyos by committing the 40 Acres + A Mule sponsorship to the very first MOBE (Marketing Opportunities in Business & Entertainment) Symposium, which now operates under the Real Men Charities, Inc. rubric. He was so impressed with their passion and commitment to fathers and families that he became a lifelong supporter. During the live stream, he shared nuggets from his childhood and how that influenced him. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, he recalls shucking corn and family bonding around food while growing up. He also learned the value of elders as, in his household, they ate first and were given utmost respect.
In addition to professing the importance of family, food, and fun, those featured also shared their personal remembrances of fatherhood, including memories of their own fathers and Father’s Day past. They engaged in tales about the intrinsic benefits of cooking, shared nuggets from their journey to becoming world-class chefs, bantered about their experiences along the way, and even engaged in a little friendly trash talk.
TopChef Ron Duprat, who was born in Haiti, left the country with his parents on a 27-day rocky and risky boat trip that took him to the States where he grew up in New York and in Miami. He mused on the value of cooking on one’s life. “Cooking is an art,” he declared. “It is also therapy. When you cook, you relieve stress because it makes life better.” His journey as a chef took him to the Ritz Carlton. The Food Network and Top Chef. He also worked with Michelle Obama for her White House initiative His approach to fatherhood is all-embracing. “Do the best you can. Do better than your father.” His favorite dish has roots in his native Haiti.
“It’s a national mushroom dish that we brought from Haiti when we came to America’s shores. It means a lot to me.” Chef Jernard Wells, who hails from Chicago, is an authentic supporter of Real Men Cook. He affectionately considers it a “brotherhood.” He relishes the support he’s received from the Moyos through his various culinary endeavors. These include his appearances on Cleo TV’s Show, New Soul Kitchen. He aspires to repaint the narrative of what we think of as soul food. Speaking from an historic perspective, he says our American soul food ancestors were more vegan as opposed to the soul food of today, which has more grease and sugar. Hence, his philosophy is more in line with the healthy version. He advises Blacks to incorporate vegan into the diet and start gradually, beginning once or twice a week. Chef Jernard described men cooking as “nurturing”
and a way to bring the family together. “The dinner table is the heart of the house,” he said. He emphasized the importance of families breaking bread together. “We should devote one day out of the week to relax and have dinner together. “It’s a way of connecting with family. It’s comforting.” Chef Jeff Henderson, who co-hosted during the last 90 minutes of the livestream, is a culinary legend. He made history in Las Vegas when he became the first African American named “Chef de Cuisine” at Caesars Palace. He eventually became an executive chef at several top restaurants including Café Bellagio, where he worked until 2006. Prior to making his culinary mark, Chef Henderson spent nearly ten years incarcerated….an experience he calls transformational. He was mentored by Black men while in prison who became father figures.
His route to becoming a chef was by chance as he says food found him and took him in a different direction. As part of that journey, he sought out Chef Robert Gadsby where he asked him for a chance to work with him. Gadsby created the opportunity – something for which Chef Jeff is eternally grateful. As a way of “paying it forward” Chef Henderson is doing uplifting things in the community.
Chef Gadsby, who hails from Jamaica, is one of the top Black chefs in the world. As a premier chef, he has traveled the world including Italy, France, Japan, St. Petersburg Russia, Thailand, and, of course, Chicago. The ultimate humanitarian, he took men coming out of prison and used his kitchen as an oasis and an opportunity.
In addition to professing the importance of family, food, and fun, those featured also shared their personal remembrances of fatherhood, including memories of their own fathers and Father’s Day past.
“I try my best each and every day to train staff and mentor chefs.”
Fatherhood is a very important part of his life. He says it’s his Legacy. He has a unique take on cooking. “Cooking is a celebration of life,” he expounds. “It’s the purest show of generosity. Cooking brings people together for whatever you are celebrating. Food is also restorative and can be therapeutic.”
He is poised to open several businesses within businesses that will be completely food and beverage related. The entity, which will be based in Chicago, includes a catering company with a restaurant, a training facility for those recently released from prison, and a delivery service. He announced that he will be looking for people from the community to hire and train.
Isaiah James, a representative from Chicago’s south side and associated with Real Men Charities for the past 3 years, and a committed father, spokenword artist and actor shared his gratitude for Real Men Charities. James was touted as a young man who will be a future leader, following in the foosteps of the organization’s Executive Director, Ayinde Cartman, who opened the 2020 event.
Offering a solution to the out-of-control violence, Rael Jackson cited the number of murders in Chicago over the weekend. He admonished everyone to “put their arms around a young person..show love.”
Reflecting on the Real Men Cook journey, Kofi Moyo who has been retired from the organization and residing in Georgia for nearly a decade, was philosophical and gave credit to the proper source.
“It is the brothers’ spirit that has kept Real Men Cook going. They were determined to make this happen.”
The founders and young ,leaders of the organization say that it is on the strength of their love of community that Real Men Cook has survived, thrived and flourished. Yvette says she looks forward to the next generation seizing the leadership reins as the event leaves its Father’s Day imprint in years and decades well into the future. To donate in support of these efforts, please visit www.RealMenCharitiesInc.org
