When the world tries to divide us, when the country is split in half, while a pandemic urges us to isolate for our safety, it is imperative to find ways to build and maintain relationships. Collaboration is key. Soul Veg City is making some upgrades to its original location at 203 E 75th. During renovations Soul Veg City is in short-term residence at The Quarry Event Center, 2423 E 75th.
The need for healthy food options on the south side was too critical. It wasn’t easy to pick up shop and re-locate temporarily. Arrangements such as this can be difficult, but there were enough people committed, who believed the community needs are more important than some logistical challenges, and they made it happen. They are currently making it happen.
To make it extra clear that this partnership was about serving the community The Quarry and Real Men Charities and Soul Veg City formed a partnership with New Era Chicago to invoke the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast Program for the children in the neighborhood.
Every morning, Monday thru Friday, the team arrives at The Quarry to prepare meals that are mostly delivered by foot to neighborhood childcare centers.
Donations of food and money come primarily through New Era Chicago’s community engagement network. The people are feeding the people. To date over 1,000 meals have been prepared and delivered.
There are several brilliant women who have made these collaborations and initiatives possible: Yvette Moyo, Ericka Burton, and a chef from Soul Veg City who wants to remain anonymous. In honor of the International Men’s Day celebrated in November, we decided to highlight a few of the men behind the scenes, to challenge the narrative that Black men have given up.
Meet these wonderful brothers, who are about healing and uplift. Not just talking about it. They are doing the work.
Arel: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION? My name is AREL BEN ISRAEL. I’m one of the owners of Soul Veg City, formerly known as Original Soul Vegetarian.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK? It gives me the opportunity to engage with people in a meaningful way. It also allows me to feel as if I’m living fully, being the person that I was born to be. That is a servant to GOD people.
WHY IS HEALTHY FOOD AND COMMUNTY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT DURING COVID?
One of the things said about Covid is, if you have a healthy immune system which comes from eating the right food, then the likelihood of you getting Covid will be very slim. During this time of Covid, community engagement is important because human interaction is a form of mental and physical healing.
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT SINCE THIS PARTNERSHIP BEGAN THAT REALLY MOVED OR INSPIRED YOU?
I would like to first thank Charles and Khan for opening their house, The Quarry to the Soul Veg City family and team. One thing that really moved me was a time when we needed some electrical outlets ran. They had been there since 6am and the electrical work did not start until 9pm. They stayed until 1am so that we would be able to open for business the next morning! That is what I call going beyond the call of duty.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE DOING FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD FOR THE COMMUNITY?
One of my biggest joy’s is spending time with my family, taking my children on short road trips. I love taking my-self to the movies because it gives me time with myself, something I realize I need.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEANED THE MOST TO MAKE IT THROUGH THIS CHALLENGING YEAR?
My greatest asset through this challenging time has been me talking and communicating with older and elderly people because they have been through rough times like these before.
Ooval: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION?
Cook, food prep, make sure everything is good and healthy everyday! Been here for 10 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK?
I love providing healthy food to the community. You meet people with underlying health conditions and get to see them progress just from eating healthier. It gives them an opportunity to get off medications and all the other stuff that’s not really healthy. That brings me joy, being able to provide.
WHY IS HEALTHY FOOD IMPORTANT DURING COVID?
Going back to the underlying conditions, if your immune system is strong then it is able to fight off all these diseases. Food can keep your body and mind strong, working at its highest level.
WHAT CAN MEN, FATHERS, OR ANYONE DO AT HOME TO INTRODUCE BETTER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES INTO THEIR FAMILY LIFE?
First, they have to start with themselves. Then, you can bring it to your family, so when you introduce it to them you can explain why it’s healthy and show them that it actually works.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HEATHY MEAL OR DISH TO PREPARE? CAN YOU SHARE THE RECIPE?
I like pasta. I prefer a nice vegie pasta, with fresh vegetables: tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and spinach. And you wanna have you a nice little side of kale greens. And if you are into the tofu you can have some nice battered tofu. Or if you are into other proteins, you can have some battered kalebone, which is flour based. That’s what I prefer.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD FOR THE COMMU-NITY?
I like to party. I like to bowl. I like to go to the lake and refresh my memory and meditate.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE FROM OTHER MEN IN ORDER TO MOVE US FORWARD AS A COMMUNITY TO ELEVATE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Start off by being examples to our younger brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Show them the right way, the right path. That even if you make a mistake you can ac-knowledge it, repent and keep moving. You don’t have to hold on to bad blood or situations. Anytime you hold on to bad situations, or you can’t forgive someone, not saying you have to forget, but you forgive so you can move on. You clear your mind and focus on what you are striving for. That’s what I would like for the men in our community. To start by example.
Not just tell young people what to do but show them. Explain the consequences of the paths they might be going down, if it’s not good for them.
Khan: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION OR PROJECT?
Facility manager for The Quarry. I’ve known Prince Asiel for a long time, so I was a part of the team that arranged the terms and agreements to make this vision come to life. As the facilities manager I’m up at The Quarry every morning at 6 am to help them get the day started.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK?
Helping the people, keeping them uplifted during these hard times. Letting them know there’s somebody, some-where that cares about them. I’m from this community and attached emotionally to the well-being of people here in South Shore.
WHY IS SAFE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT DURING COVID?
Because people have to stay in the house so much, can’t move around, so they feel stuck. There are many opportunities for some people to get resources. These giveaways are important. If we don’t help give resources, there’s no telling what people will do.
WHAT CAN MEN, FATHERS, OR ANYONE DO AT HOME TO INTRODUCE BETTER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES INTO THEIR FAMILY LIFE?
They can bring better food home. Eat better themselves. Lead by example.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD FOR THE COMMUNITY?
Spend time with my family and grandbabies.
IN ADDITION TO HEALTHY FOOD, WHAT OTHER TYPES OF ACTIVITIES, EVENTS OR PROGRAMS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE OCCUR AT BLACK-OWNED COMMUNITY CENTERS SUCH AS THE QUARRY?
Real black history education to learn self-awareness and self-respect, Self-defense and tech skills. Teaching how to be real men, which I believe only real men can do.
Charles Phillips: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION OR PROJECT?
General Manager at The Quarry.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK? I love being part of a team that is full of people that genuinely care about others and the community they work in. I really enjoy getting to know people and building bonds with both co-workers and community members. I’m thankful to be part of a team that’s in a position to help our community by providing healthy and nutritious meals to people. I’m also enjoying building relationships with other organizations, there are many people out there that deserve recognition for the work they are doing in their respective organizations.
WHY IS HEALTHY FOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT DURING COVID?
Now more than ever it is clear why eating healthy food to build a healthy immune system is important. There is no better time to start changing dietary habits and making different choices. A poor diet leads to poor health conditions that can cause serious complications with Covid19. Food is medicine. We must strengthen our minds and bodies and feed ourselves nutritious foods that help combat disease. Community engagement is important during this period of social distancing because we still have to show up and show support for each other. Covid has impacted our community disproportionately. There are going to be serious long term consequences, both in terms of health and economics. We have to be ready to emerge from all of this with a plan of action and we must be ready to do the work.
HOW DID THE SOUL VEG AND QUARRY PARTNERSHIP COME ABOUT?
First, I would like to thank Arel and the whole Soul Veg team for working with us to make this partnership happen. The idea was originally proposed by Yvette Moyo, CEO of The Quarry, after a conversation she had with a FoodLab connection. I and Khan, our facilities manager, then met with Arel. Our healthy community focus was a natural fit for Soul Veg. The Quarry’s healthy food history and the legacy of Real Men Charities connect with the ideas and values of Soul Veg. Also, there is a historical connection between Arel’s father, Prince, and Yvette Moyo, even be-fore she met and married the co-founder of Real Men Charities, Inc. Khan gave the green light, so it was a go.
HOW DID THE FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM COME ABOUT?
The breakfast program was negotiated as part of the rental agreement we made with Soul Veg. It was only made possible knowing that we had the backing of New Era Chicago in terms of volunteers and community outreach.
WHAT CAN MEN, FATHERS, OR ANYONE DO AT HOME TO INTRODUCE BETTER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES INTO THEIR FAMILY LIFE?
Make your own juice and smoothies.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON?
Taking some days off and spending time with family.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD FOR THE COMMUNITY?
I like to make beats and produce music.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE FROM OTHER MEN IN ORDER TO MOVE US FORWARD AS A COMMUNITY TO ELEVATE TO THE NEXT LEVEL? I would like to see more accountability and teamwork.
Ayinde Cartman: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE OR-GANIZATION OR PROJECT?
Executive Director of Real Men Charities Inc.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK?
I love working with individuals and organizations that are genuinely invested in our communities’ well-being, and how we help revitalize people’s faith and imagination.
WHY IS HEALTHY FOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT DURING COVID? Because we’re dying at alarming rates from lack of nutrition. The need for hyper- focused community engagement around health and wellness has increased drastically.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEN STEPPING UP AND WORKING TOGETHER IN THESE TIMES?
Times of crisis create opportunities for growth. Men tend to struggle with sustaining a unified presence when it comes to addressing community needs. The more examples we have of men building relationships and combining skills and interests, the sooner consistent collaboration becomes our cultural norm. This speaks to a few Real Men Charities, Inc. focus areas over the years.
WHAT CAN MEN, FATHERS, OR ANYONE DO AT HOME TO INTRODUCE BETTER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES INTO THEIR FAMILY LIFE?
Take note of you and your family’s favorite fruits and vegetables and keep your fridge full of them. And don’t buy no more cow’s milk!
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT SINCE THIS PARTNER-SHIP BEGAN THAT REALLY MOVED OR INSPIRED YOU.
A group of young boys from across the street asking for drum lessons after breakfast.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEANED THE MOST ABOUT HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH THIS CHALLENGING YEAR?
Positive thought replacement, prioritizing self-care, the kind of food distribution PPE and mental health support Real Men Charities, Inc. has been providing since April, and hugging my mother.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THIS WORK?
I love working with individuals and organizations that are genuinely invested in our communities’ well-being, and how we help revitalize people’s faith and imagination.
WHY IS HEALTHY FOOD AND COMMUNITY EN-GAGEMENT IMPORTANT DURING COVID? Because we’re dying at alarming rates from lack of nutrition. The need for hyper- focused community engagement around health and wellness has increased drastically.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEN STEPPING UP AND WORKING TOGETHER IN THESE TIMES?
Times of crisis create opportunities for growth. Men tend to struggle with sustaining a unified presence when it comes to addressing community needs. The more examples we have of men building relationships and combining skills and interests, the sooner consistent collaboration becomes our cultural norm. This speaks to a few Real Men Charities, Inc. focus areas over the years.
WHAT CAN MEN, FATHERS, OR ANYONE DO AT HOME TO INTRODUCE BETTER HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES INTO THEIR FAMILY LIFE?
Take note of you and your family’s favorite fruits and vegetables and keep your fridge full of them. And don’t buy no more cow’s milk!
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT SINCE THIS PARTNER-SHIP BEGAN THAT REALLY MOVED OR INSPIRED YOU.
A group of young boys from across the street asking for drum lessons after breakfast.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEANED THE MOST ABOUT HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH THIS CHALLENGING YEAR?
Positive thought replacement, prioritizing self-care, the kind of food distribution PPE and mental health support Real Men Charities, Inc. has been providing since April, and hugging my mother.
