Annual Event Honors Black Fathers

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Real Men Cook Chicago will be held June 19 from 3pm-6pm at Chicago State University. The event is celebrating its 22nd anniversary and honors the efforts and sacrifices made by fathers and father figures. (Photo Courtesy of Real Men Cook)
Real Men Cook Chicago will be held June 19 from 3pm-6pm at Chicago State University. The event is celebrating its 22nd anniversary and honors the efforts and sacrifices made by fathers and father figures. (Photo Courtesy of Real Men Cook)

by Thelma Sardin

For the past 22 years, Real Men Cook (RMC) has celebrated fatherhood by showcasing the culinary efforts of African American men. Annually held on Fathers Day, the cookout praises Black fatherhood and men who work tirelessly to support their families and communities.

In addition to showcasing the dedication of hard-working fathers, RMC strives to educate the community about healthier eating. Many of the volunteer cooks take great pride in preparing tasty, nutritious and sometimes unusual dishes for the crowds enjoyment.

In 1990, one year after the Chicago event, RMC became a national effort. Besides Chicago, the annual Fathers Day celebration is also celebrated in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LA, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Ticket sales proceeds are dispersed by partnering non-profit organizations in each of the preceding cities.

As a result, over $1 million in ticket sales proceeds and donations have been generated by Real Men Cook to nonprofit partners and organizations that serve families and communities, according to its website.

Founded by Karega Kofi Moyo and Yvette Moyo Gillard, RMC is a product of Real Men Charities, Inc., a national not-for-profit organization.

According to its website, the organizations mission is to positively improve the way the world celebrates family and community by increasing the proportion of opportunities for committed and detached males to become involved, responsible, and committed fathers for the good of all communities, families and youth.

The Chicago event will be held on June 19, 3pm-6pm at Chicago State University, 9501 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Sixth Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer will host the occasion. In 1999, then- Illinois State senator Barack Obama served as a RMC volunteer.

Cookout attendees are able to sample dishes from 54 volunteer chefs that will participate in this years celebration.

The event also features live music and dance performances including the Real Men Charities Health and Wellness Zone, sponsored by the Urban Initiative of the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC). Additionally, Provident Hospital and Blue Cross and Blue Shield will provide free health screenings for diabetes, prostate cancer and information to reduce obesity.

For over two decades , RMCs volunteers have been a contributing factor to the events continued success.

Mark Fishback, 10 year RMC volunteer says he is a firm believer in RMCs mission of community service and how the event portrays Black men in a positive light. I wanted to do everything in my power to dispel every myth, stereotype and lie about Black men, he says. I want to prove this country wrong about the plight, dedication and overall position and condition of Black males.

Chef David Fuller , 13 year RMC volunteer and culinary arts instructor says he continues to support RMC because, The message is very necessary for my community, which has an epidemic of fatherlessness. Black men dont have too many outlets in this country where they are celebrated and uplifted and appreciated for what they do to uphold their families and community.

Doctors from the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are also participating at this years RMC event.

For the last four years, UCMC has joined RMC in its efforts. The Medical Centers participation reflects its commitment to Chicagos neighborhoods and to improving the healthcare and quality of life for people living on the South Side of Chicago, a recent press release stated.

Real Men Cook celebrates the often overlooked contributions men make to their families and offers our faculty and staff, many of whom are not South Side residents, the opportunity to connect with the South Side community through family and food, says Susan Peters, manager of Community Relations for The Urban Health Initiative at UCMC.

Dr. Carl Bell, president & CEO, Community Mental Health Council of Chicago (The Council) worked with RMC since its first event in 1989. The Council is also a sponsor of RMC.

Bell recently told the Citizen why he believes the annual cookout is important. I think the purpose of it which is to show that men can provide care, he said. Bell continued that the philanthropic arm of the event is beneficial because ticket proceeds are donated to non-for profit organizations.

Tickets can be purchased$20 for adults, $10 for children ($5 additional at the event)online at www.realmencook.com, at the Southside YMCA, 6330 S. Stony Island and the Community Mental Health Council, 8704 S. Constance Avenue.

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