By Shaliyah Howell ’25
On April 24, 2025, I attended an event for Black-owned food businesses to network with each other and their customers, an experience I will never forget. Hosted at the Cambria Hotel in downtown New Haven, the event was full of amazing food, inspiring business owners, and powerful connections and conversations about culture, community, and entrepreneurship. Walking in, I smelled delicious food in the air and heard people talking and laughing. It wasn’t just about food; it was about supporting each other and expressing Black excellence in the food industry.
The food at the event was, honestly, amazing. There were so many different flavors and dishes to try, and everything was cooked with so much love! My favorite part was meeting all the content creators and the food owners at the event. I got to meet the owner of Gorilla Lemonade, who makes delicious drinks, JimyOfficial, who goes around Connecticut and tries a variety of food places, and lastly 2HungryJenns, who also go around Connecticut trying different food places. Everyone I met was so welcoming and excited to share their stories about their business.
The interviews I had were very interesting; I got to hear about how much work and passion these entrepreneurs put into their business. Everyone had something different to say, but they all talked about how important it was to run a Black-owned business and build community through food and networking. The co-owner of Gorilla Lemonade said, “I can’t be anything other than what I am, and that’s Black. Growing up, I didn’t see Black-owned beverages in local bodegas or anywhere, to be honest. So we need to slam every location and let the people know that not only is the product made by Black [people], but it’s delicious, and we do good business.” He also stated that the event meant a lot to him because it highlighted Black excellence, and he was able to meet new people.
I was also able to interview two more women of color at the event who go around CT and explore new food places. They stated, “Being Black-owned is extremely important to us. Representation matters. Because food is culture and supporting Black-owned restaurants means honoring the hands, history, and hustle behind the flavor. At 2HungryJenns, we don’t just spotlight good eats–we uplift the stories, the legacies, and the brilliance that too often go overlooked. Black-owned spots are the blueprint. From soul food to fusion, they’ve shaped entire culinary landscapes. And we’re here to make sure that contribution is celebrated, documented, and devoured–with love and respect.” These two interviews stood out to me because they express how that event made Black excellence look beautiful.
My overall favorite dish was trying Pura Vida Luxury Treats. Their desserts were beyond delicious and not too sweet. The cupcakes were topped with cream cheese topping, making them even more delicious. Thinking about them makes me want to go for more. I also enjoyed Auntie Sheelah’s Cheesecakes homemade baked mac and cheese. It had the perfect crisp on top and creamy cheese flavor. It wasn’t too bland or overpowering with the cheese or seasoning. I hope to see another Black Foodie Expo event, and try even more different Black owned food businesses.
Overall, going to this event showed me how powerful food can be when it brings people together. I got to lots of businesses and business owners. I was able to try so many delicious dishes and feel especially connected to my community. One of my favorite parts was seeing Auntie Sheelah’s Cheesecakes win the event. I was so happy for her because her food was beyond delicious, and not just that, but also made with pure love. Seeing her celebrated made the whole event feel even more meaningful. That day was filled with good food, good people, and inspiration, and I’m glad I got to experience it.
The Raider Press 