It has been a long wait, since 2020, when Black Men Cooking returned to Gloucester last month, as part of a Black History Celebration. This year the event was held at the Abingdon Ruritan Club in Bena.

The Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, sponsoring organization, with Sharon Washington serving as chairman, has set a precedent that will not be easy to follow.

As always in the past, the food was a culinary extravaganza, joining the history, most informative, and entertainment enjoyed by all ages. This year’s event also added vendors, a band, and door prizes. With one ticket you got to dine on what 19 chefs had prepared, shop, enjoy the music and visit with friends. More than 200 people attended.

Of the 19 participating chefs, Will Hill, Jerry Bristow, Chris Thomas, Gerald Tabb, Donnell Peterson and Barry Pearson were making their debut. Keith Osborne was making his second appearance. Sharing their recipes for three to seven years were Leslie Hearn, Ward Warren Jr., Kevin Smith, Justin...