MCCN (Catrina Sally): How and why did the idea for the Brothers Who Can Cook program come into existence?

Ujimma: It was a gift from the Most High. As the visionary for the project, in a world of take, take, take, it has well been time to give. Our cities are in turmoil and the African-American communities are suffering the most. No matter where we are politically, socially, or religiously—one thing stands true: we love our music and our food. This is not a dinner, it is a taster. We won’t be selling any of the food, but we are encouraging people to support this community based project for our children.

MCCN: The event will be benefiting the Ujimma Rising Mentoring Project. Can you tell us some information about the project?

Ujimma: At the Ujimma Rising Mentoring Project, we take a holistic view in helping to form the well roundedness of our youth throughout the diaspora. Our mission is to develop the character of mentorship in our adolescents by creating new traditions. We plant the seed and grow our mentors from the inside out. This summer’s project offers a program that exposes youth to the local and national legislative/political processes through advocacy. We will also offer lessons in music composition and theory, etiquette, African history (pre and post diaspora), academic preparation, and positive lifestyle choices. Program participants will also take a New York day trip to Harlem’s Schomburg Library and view the Harlem Day Parade. We also have a few special surprises planned.

MCCN: Besides aiding Baltimore youth, how is the Brothers Who Can Cook program aiding Baltimore's homeless?

Ujimma: Ancestor Bea Gaddy lead the way in feeding the homeless and financially challenged. We want to expand on her legacy by adding at least one more day that can provide holistic nourishment to our communities.

MCCN: What dishes are on the menu?

Ujimma: There are gumbos, chilies, seafood, vegan, poultry, desserts, beverages, breads, baked goods, vegetarian, Cajun, African, Caribbean, traditional Southern Soul food, rice, pastas and more. There will be limited red meat entrees. There will be absolutely no pork dishes. However, we offer the excellent sorbet, Caribbean Ice (the original), to clean the palette between tasting foods.

MCCN: Besides the serving of good food, what else is on the agenda?

Ujimma: Music, music, music, and a sprinkling of comedy, theatre, authors and a few surprises. We can’t give it all away...you have got to be there!

MCCN: Are any of the area's local celebrity Chef's participating?

Ujimma: We have worked with a few folks who have taken food to the level of an art form. These chefs are well trained and educated in the subject matter and its preparation. Until the week of the event we will keep their names close to our chests. Chef David Thomas, currently whipping up delights at the Arch Social Club, is our featured Floor Chef. But you have to come to the event to find out more.

MCCN: How can someone become a part of the project?

Ujimma: You can find us on the web at brotherswhocancook.com, where PayPal is ready to receive your ticket purchase. You can also send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit our Facebook page. Tickets are also available seven days a week at Everyone’s Place located on North Avenue in Baltimore.

MCCN: Any other information you would like to share with our readers?

Ujimma: We are in need of a healing that will bring brothers and sistars together and allow for Black men to express an outpouring of gratitude for everything sistars do. On this upcoming Mother's Day, how about paying homage to mothers, sistars, Big Mama, your woman, wives, aunties, cousins, the sistar next door, a sistar going through a hard time, homeless sistars, the sistars who do the jobs no one else will do, the talked about and cheated on sistars, those sistars that have lost their way, the teaching sistars, those corporate degree and lady of the day Sistars, those...we could keep going, but you get the drift. Brothers Who Can Cook is that type of event.

For more information about "Brothers Who Can Cook" and a complete listing of our interview please visit: http://brotherswhocancook.com/.