4-Day Conference
This is an Event to Celebrate, Uplift, Inspire, and Empower Black & Brown Culinary Professionals and the Industries that Support Them.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28:
MEDIA DAY RECEPTION, CHEF SHOWCASE, FILM SCREENING, AND WELCOME/VIP RECEPTIONS
Welcome to Tulsa – Let the Experience Begin! Get ready to kick off the State of Black Food conference with an unforgettable Day 1 lineup designed to spark inspiration, elevate voices, and set the tone for a transformative four-day experience.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
am
Media Reception/Press Conference
Members of the media are invited to join the conversation as culinary thought leaders discuss why equity, legacy, and leadership must be centered in Black food today and beyond.
Moderator: Errin Haines
Panelists: Chef Chad Cherry, Master Chef Daryl Shular, KJ Kearney, Debra Freeman, Chef Ed Porter
In the Raw Sushi
110 N. Elgin Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74120
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
pm
Chef Showcase (Open to the Public)
Meet and greet some of your favorite tastemakers in this exciting afternoon activation! Snap photos, snag exclusive merch, and connect with the faces shaping Black food culture nationwide.
Featuring:
Various Food Network stars, culinary influencers, cookbook authors, podcast hosts, and local legends!
New Story Brewing
601 E. Fourth St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
pm
Film Screening & Fireside Chat: "Finding Edna Lewis"
Step into the story of culinary icon Edna Lewis with a special screening followed by a compelling fireside chat. A must-attend for food historians, storytellers, and lovers of Black culinary heritage.
Moderator: Kristi Williams
Speaker: Debra Freeman, Emmy Award-Winning Food Writer & Culinary Anthropologist
Greenwood Griot
10 N. Greenwood Ave. Suite B
Tulsa, OK
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
pm
Welcome & VIP Receptions
We’re taking over Historic Greenwood Avenue for an epic welcome celebration! Dance, network, explore vendors, and toast to new connections during our Welcome & VIP Receptions.
Activities:
It's the SOBF Block Party - Welcome! Join us on historic Greenwood Avenue for Networking, Music, Vendors, and more.
Greenwood Griot.
10 N. Greenwood Ave. Suite B
Tulsa, OK
In the Raw Sushi (VIP)
110 N. Elgin Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74120
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS | EXHIBITORS & DEMOS
Day 2 of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference is dedicated to professional growth and innovation.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
am
Doors Open
Members of the media are invited to join the conversation as culinary thought leaders discuss why equity, legacy, and leadership must be centered in Black food today and beyond.
Registration, Breakfast, Exhbitors
Registration opens; Brekfast is served; Exhibitor Booths open; Headshot Sessions begin; Attnedee and Media Networking & Interviews
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
pm
Main Stage Welcome & Morning Presentations
Welcome & Introductions; Partner Remarks; State of Black Food Address; State of Black Food Panel Discussion
Featuring:
Mayor Monroe Nichols, Lawanda Harris, Leon Fowler II, Bridgette V. Baker, Chef Chad Cherry, Karen Pandy-Cherry
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
pm
Lunch & Film Screening
Step into the story of culinary icon Edna Lewis with a special screening followed by a compelling fireside chat. A must-attend for food historians, storytellers, and lovers of Black culinary heritage.
Lunchtime Activities:
Enjoy lunch, browse exhibitor booths, and watch Finding Edna Lewis, an inspiring look at a culinary legend.
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
pm
Breakout Sessions
Session Titles:
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
Track 1: Our Table:
"Getting to the Bag: Diversifying & Monetizing Your Talent"
Moderator: Chef Cassandra Sinclair
Panelists: George W. Tinsley II, Leo Braddock, Quraysh "Q" Ali Lansana, Chef Tahnee Rolles
Track 2: Our Story:
"Side Hustle to Signature Brand: Story-Driven Marketing that Builds Trust & Traffic"
Workshop Leaders Trey Thaxton and Ramond Walker
Track 3: Our Future:
"The Digital Mise en Place: Tech Tools That Save Time and Streamline Your Business"
Workshop Leader Seun Akinfolarin
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
pm
Breakout Sessions
Session Titles:
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
Track 1: Our Table:
"The Op That’s Not Your Enemy: Intro to Biz Infrastructure"
Workshop Leader Bridgette V. Baker
Track 2: Our Story:
"Telling Our Stories, Controlling the Menu: Food Media as Resistance"
Moderator: Delano Massey
Panelists: Errin Haines, Keisha Cameron
"Baked for Ratings: A Chef’s Truth Behind the Network Curtain"
Moderator: Chef Cassandra Sinclair
Guest Speaker: Shellane Brown
Track 3: Our Future:
"Capital Building & Community Building: A Harmonious Union"
Speakers: Chef Chad Cherry, Karen Pandy-Cherry, Apollo Woods
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
pm
Exhibitor Showcase
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
4:10 PM - 4:45 PM
pm
Breakout Session (Our Future)
"Past and Present Creating the Future: Afrofurism in Food"
Featuring:
Moderator: Chef Cassandra Sinclair
Panelists: Chef Awo Amenumey, Chef Andrew "Irie" Sinclair, Deniseea Head
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
4:45 PM - 5:20 PM
pm
Breakout Session (Our Story)
A Kitchen Table Convo: "Entrepreneurship Ain’t for the Weak: The Story Behind the Shine"
Featuring:
Moderator: Chef Chad Cherry,
Speakers: Jackie Summers, KJ Kearney, Jatee Kearsley
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
5:20 PM - 5:30 PM
pm
Day 2 Closing Remarks
A Kitchen Table Convo: "Entrepreneurship Ain’t for the Weak: The Story Behind the Shine"
Featuring:
Gradient
12 N. Cheyenne Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
pm
Culinary Community Dinner
We’re taking over Historic Greenwood Avenue for an epic welcome celebration! Dance, network, explore vendors, and toast to new connections during our Welcome & VIP Receptions.
Activities:
Close the day with a delicious communal dinner, building deeper connections with fellow attendees and speakers in an intimate, inspiring setting.
New Story Brewing
601 E. Fourth St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30:
360 WELL-BEING | FILM SCREENING | KULTURE AWARDS & GALA
Day 3 of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference kicks off with a focus on holistic wellness and self-care. The afternoon features an exclusive film screening, and we top off the night with the Kulture Awards Gala & Fundraiser.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
am
Registration, Exhibitors, & Breakfast
Members of the media are invited to join the conversation as culinary thought leaders discuss why equity, legacy, and leadership must be centered in Black food today and beyond.
Activities:
Kick off with seamless registration, open exhibitor booths, and a grab-and-go breakfast to fuel your morning.
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
pm
Welcome & Sound Bath
Immerse yourself in a restorative sound bath, where soothing vibrations and frequencies create a calming experience to relax the body, clear the mind, and restore balance.
Featuring:
Activity Leader: Sheena Kay
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
pm
Walmart Healthy Cooking Training & Demonstration
"Walmart Presents: Fueling Our Future - Nutrition Know-How for Mindful Meals"
Featuring:
Trainers & Demonstrators: Chef Chad Cherry, Ashley Carter, Jasmine Westbrook, Kiandra Call
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
pm
(OPTIONAL) Guided Walking Tour: Black Wall Street ($25)
Step into the heart of history with Greenwood Griot Tours! These powerful walking tours take you through the legendary streets of Black Wall Street, unveiling the rise, destruction, and rebirth of one of the most prosperous Black communities in American history.
Whether you’re a student, tourist, or lifelong Tulsan, this experience will challenge what you thought you knew and inspire you to carry the torch forward.
Featuring:
Tour Guide: Kode Ransom, — historian, storyteller, and son of North Tulsa.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE
Greenwood Griot
10 N. Greenwood Ave.
Tulsa, OK
11:00 AM - 11:35 AM
pm
Fireside Chat
"Farm to Future: Building Relationships That Feed the Kulture"
Featuring:
Speakers: Martita Mestey, Nathanial "Nate" Bradford
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
11:35 AM - 12:00 PM
pm
Demonstration
We’re taking over Historic Greenwood Avenue for an epic welcome celebration! Dance, network, explore vendors, and toast to new connections during our Welcome & VIP Receptions.
Featuring:
Midwest Dairy Alliance
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
12:00 PM - 12:35 PM
pm
Lunch & Exhbitor Stroll
We’re taking over Historic Greenwood Avenue for an epic welcome celebration! Dance, network, explore vendors, and toast to new connections during our Welcome & VIP Receptions.
Activities:
Enjoy a delicious grab-and-go lunch while strolling through exhibitor booths, networking with peers, and discovering products and services that support your culinary and well-being journey.
Gutherie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
pm
Film Screening & Fireside Chat
"The Food That Fuels"
Featuring:
Introductions: Chaz "Thunder Wof" Stephens
Moderator: LaWanda Harris
Special Guest: Chef Ed Porter, Filmmaker
Circle Cinema
10 S. Lewis Ave
Tulsa, OK 74104
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
pm
(OPTIONAL) Guided Walking Tour: Black Wall Street ($25)
Step into the heart of history with Greenwood Griot Tours! These powerful walking tours take you through the legendary streets of Black Wall Street, unveiling the rise, destruction, and rebirth of one of the most prosperous Black communities in American history.
Whether you’re a student, tourist, or lifelong Tulsan, this experience will challenge what you thought you knew and inspire you to carry the torch forward.
Featuring:
Tour Guide: Kode Ransom, — historian, storyteller, and son of North Tulsa.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE
Greenwood Griot
10 N. Greenwood Ave.
Tulsa, OK
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
pm
Red Carpet Reception + Kulture Awards Gala & Fundraiser
We’re taking over Historic Greenwood Avenue for an epic welcome celebration! Dance, network, explore vendors, and toast to new connections during our Welcome & VIP Receptions.
Activities:
Join us for an elegant black-tie evening honoring Black and Brown culinary excellence. The night begins with a red-carpet reception and continues with the Kulture Awards, celebrating innovators, mentors, storytellers, and community changemakers shaping culinary culture nationwide.
36th Street North Event Center
1125 East 36 St North
Tulsa, OK 74106
AUGUST 31:
FARWELL BRUNCH & SOBF MASTER CLASS
The final day of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference celebrates community, connection, and skills elevation.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
am
(OPTIONAL) Worship Service
Members of the media are invited to join the conversation as culinary thought leaders discuss why equity, legacy, and leadership must be centered in Black food today and beyond.
Activities:
Begin Sunday morning with a time of reflection, faith, and fellowship. Join us for an uplifting worship service before the closing brunch.
Transformation Church
10441 S Regal Blvd.
Tulsa, OK 74133
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
pm
Farewell Brunch
Close out the conference with a heartfelt brunch featuring Black and gold attire with African flair. Gather, reflect, and celebrate community before we part ways.
Activities:
Close out the conference with a heartfelt brunch featuring Black and gold attire with African flair. Gather, reflect, and celebrate community before we part ways.
WOMPA
3306 Charles Page Blvd.
Tulsa, OK 74127
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
pm
(OPTIONAL) Guided Walking Tour: Black Wall Street ($25)
Step into the heart of history with Greenwood Griot Tours! These powerful walking tours take you through the legendary streets of Black Wall Street, unveiling the rise, destruction, and rebirth of one of the most prosperous Black communities in American history.
Whether you’re a student, tourist, or lifelong Tulsan, this experience will challenge what you thought you knew and inspire you to carry the torch forward.
Featuring:
Tour Guide: Kode Ransom, — historian, storyteller, and son of North Tulsa.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE
Greenwood Griot
10 N. Greenwood Ave.
Tulsa, OK
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
pm
SOBF Master Class
Conclude the evening with an exclusive master class led by one of only 73 Certified Master Chefs in the U.S. This limited-seating session highlights advanced global techniques designed to sharpen skills, elevate execution, and expand expertise for culinary professionals.
Featuring:
Introductions: Chef Jeremy Johnson
Class Instructor: Master Chef Daryl Shular
Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
1304 N. Kenosha Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74106
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28:
MEDIA, VIP & WELCOME RECEPTIONS
The State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference kicks off with an exciting first day of exclusive activities.
Media representatives will enjoy press interviews and a press conference, setting the stage for the event’s impactful themes.
VIP Ticket holders are invited to an elegant VIP reception, featuring specialty appetizers, drinks, and an intimate Q&A session with Chef Kulture Co-founder and CEO, award-winning Chef Chad Cherry.
The evening culminates with a vibrant Welcome Reception open to all attendees, complete with networking opportunities, music, appetizers, and drinks to create a memorable start to the conference.
GET CONFERENCE TICKETS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS | EXHIBITORS & DEMOS
Day 2 of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference is dedicated to professional growth and innovation.
The day begins with the State of Black Food Address by Chef Chad Cherry, followed by a dynamic panel discussion exploring industry trends, community impact, and future-forward strategies.
A powerful keynote presentation will set the tone for the day’s breakout sessions, which focus on topics like business and skill-building, leveraging technology, capital access, diversifying culinary talent, effective branding, and the importance of self-care.
Attendees can also explore a variety of exhibitors and interactive demos throughout the day. The press room will be open for media interviews with key conference stakeholders.
The day concludes with a culinary community dinner, bringing all attendees together for an evening of connection, celebration, and delicious food.
GET CONFERENCE TICKETS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30:
360 WELL-BEING | CELEBRATING THE WHOLE PERSON | KULTURE AWARDS & GALA
DAYTIME ACTIVITIES:
Day 3 of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference is all about holistic wellness and self-care.
The morning kicks off with interactive wellness activities and discussions, offering attendees the opportunity to focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
In the afternoon, attendees will have the chance to explore the rich history of Greenwood, the home of the original Black Wall Street, through curated tours or independent exploration.
RED CARPET RECEPTION & KULTURE AWARDS GALA:
The Kulture Awards Gala is a premier black-tie event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of Black and Brown culinary professionals.
The evening begins with a glamorous red-carpet reception, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring leaders who have elevated culinary culture through innovation, mentorship, artistry, and community impact.
GET CONFERENCE TICKETS
AUGUST 31:
GREENWOOD COMMUNITY DAY
The final day of the State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition conference celebrates community and connection in historic Greenwood.
The day begins with a worship service, followed by a heartfelt farewell brunch for attendees. In the afternoon, participants can give back by joining a community service project, fostering a spirit of unity and impact.
The conference concludes with a lively outdoor community BBQ, open to the public and featuring delicious creations from local chefs and vendors—a perfect way to end the event with fellowship, food, and fun.
GET CONFERENCE TICKETS
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