More than 300 people gathered at the Black Historical Cultural Center last week for the inaugural Black Excellence Food Festival, celebrating local Black-owned restaurants and raising funds for the center’s renovation. The event served as both a showcase of culinary talent and a fundraiser for preserving the city’s Black heritage.
“This was an opportunity to showcase Black restaurants for the city of Amarillo to see,” said Melodie Graves, executive director of Amarillo United Citizens Forum, which is overseeing the renovation project. “A very diverse group of residents came out, not only to celebrate Black excellence, but also to raise funds for renovating the cultural center, which our team is working hard to restore. Events like this bring life back to the community. From the youngest members of our community to our elders, it’s important to have a space where we can all come together and share our culture, heritage, and passion for great food. This event isn’t just about supporting Black excellence — it’s about bringing everyone together to celebrate the diversity that makes Amarillo strong.”
Eight area eateries and food trucks participated in last Saturday’s event, offering a variety of signature dishes — from brisket sliders to catfish and chicken wings. Featured vendors included Delvin’s, Sunday’s Kitchen, The Chicken Coop, Class One Barbecue, North Heights Discounts and Cafe, Fat Cat Fressies, Jus Loungin’, and Shi-Lees. The aroma of soul food, barbecue, and comfort cooking permeated the air, drawing festival-goers to sample the various menus.
“It was an absolutely amazing event,” said Tremaine Brown, owner of Shi-Lees BBQ & Soul Food. Brown arrived late due to truck issues but was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. “Even with the cooler weather, we had a great day — people were excited to try our food, and we could feel the community support.”
After the festival concluded, Brown continued his efforts by taking extra food to the Tyler Resource Center to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. He and his daughter met with community members, including Dr. Shanna James and city council candidate Patrick Miller to distribute the same catfish, ribs, and chicken wings offered at the festival.
“It’s all about giving back,” Brown said. “We wanted to ensure no one was left out. Being able to serve folks downtown with the same menu we served festival attendees felt like a meaningful extension of our mission.”
Graves praised the festival’s success and noted how vital it is to build on such momentum to strengthen neighborhood bonds. “In every bite of food and every conversation shared, we experienced what the North Heights community stands for: resilience, creativity, and, above all, unity,” she said. “We want future generations to have a safe, welcoming space to learn about our community’s legacy and continue building upon it.”
Looking ahead, organizers are considering possible expansions and improvements, including shifting the date to warmer months — potentially around Juneteenth — to attract even more attendees. “We see this festival as a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our local Black businesses,” Graves added. “It’s just one step in a larger journey toward building a more equitable and inclusive Amarillo.”
Proceeds from this year’s festival will go toward renovating the Black Historical Cultural Center, preserving and celebrating Amarillo’s Black history for generations to come. Future events are already in the works, aiming to continue uplifting Black-owned businesses and uniting residents around a shared commitment to preserving local culture.
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