High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America
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02/03/26
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02/15/26
A legendary Black-owned brand and one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs are joining forces to celebrate heritage, purpose, and forward momentum. As Select Brands LLC marks the 75th anniversary of Argia B’s MUMBO® SAUCE, the Chicago-based company is launching a meaningful new collaboration with Howard University Men’s Basketball, through the NIL Collective led by The Mecca Society.
The partnership aligns two powerful legacies built on excellence, resilience, and community impact. Structured as a brand revenue share, the collaboration supports Howard University student-athletes while amplifying a historic Black-owned food brand that has shaped American flavor culture for generations.
“This is such a meaningful way to honor 75 years of MUMBO and my dad’s memory,” says Allison Collins, CEO of Select Brands LLC. Her father, Argia B. Collins, left rural Mississippi with a belief that entrepreneurship could chart a new destiny—one built through discipline, creativity, and pride in one’s roots.
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood became the birthplace of that dream. What began as a barbecue restaurant evolved into a culinary legacy across the city’s South Side. It was there, in 1950, that Argia B. Collins created MUMBO® SAUCE—drawing inspiration from the sweet and savory flavors of his Southern childhood and a dissatisfaction with mass-market barbecue sauces that lacked soul.
“Joining forces with The Mecca Society and Howard University’s men’s basketball team is a beautiful alignment of values and priorities,” Collins explains. “My dad loved basketball, and just like the HU Bison, he worked hard and demanded the best.”
For The Mecca Society, the partnership reflects a deliberate strategy to uplift Black-owned businesses that share Howard University’s mission of truth, service, and leadership. Eric Grant, board treasurer of The Mecca Society, notes that while Howard athletics enjoy a global reputation, securing equitable corporate partnerships requires intentional outreach.
“We seek out Black-owned businesses that share our foundational values and can meaningfully support student-athletes,” Grant says. “We found exactly that with Argia B’s MUMBO SAUCE—an inspiring history, authentic community commitment, and a brand that resonates culturally.”
The collaboration will see Howard University Men’s Basketball promote MUMBO® SAUCE throughout the season, with a portion of sales returning directly to support student-athletes.
“Howard student-athletes are students first,” Grant emphasizes. “This partnership is about supporting academic journeys and professional futures—not creating overnight millionaires.”
For Allison Collins, stewarding her father’s legacy means honoring the past while embracing modern opportunities. “The world is radically different from when my dad first created MUMBO SAUCE,” she reflects. “But the values haven’t changed. We’ve grown and adapted, yet we remain true to our roots—authentic flavor, premium quality, and purpose-driven leadership. This partnership would mean everything to him.”
Argia B’s MUMBO SAUCE: Black-Owned Mamba Sauce Brand Marks 75th Anniversary With New HBCU Basketball Collaboration
A legendary Black-owned brand and one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs are joining forces to celebrate heritage, purpose, and forward momentum. As Select Brands LLC marks the 75th anniversary of Argia B’s MUMBO® SAUCE, the Chicago-based company is launching a meaningful new collaboration with Howard University Men’s Basketball, through the NIL Collective led by The Mecca Society.
The partnership aligns two powerful legacies built on excellence, resilience, and community impact. Structured as a brand revenue share, the collaboration supports Howard University student-athletes while amplifying a historic Black-owned food brand that has shaped American flavor culture for generations.
“This is such a meaningful way to honor 75 years of MUMBO and my dad’s memory,” says Allison Collins, CEO of Select Brands LLC. Her father, Argia B. Collins, left rural Mississippi with a belief that entrepreneurship could chart a new destiny—one built through discipline, creativity, and pride in one’s roots.
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood became the birthplace of that dream. What began as a barbecue restaurant evolved into a culinary legacy across the city’s South Side. It was there, in 1950, that Argia B. Collins created MUMBO® SAUCE—drawing inspiration from the sweet and savory flavors of his Southern childhood and a dissatisfaction with mass-market barbecue sauces that lacked soul.
“Joining forces with The Mecca Society and Howard University’s men’s basketball team is a beautiful alignment of values and priorities,” Collins explains. “My dad loved basketball, and just like the HU Bison, he worked hard and demanded the best.”
For The Mecca Society, the partnership reflects a deliberate strategy to uplift Black-owned businesses that share Howard University’s mission of truth, service, and leadership. Eric Grant, board treasurer of The Mecca Society, notes that while Howard athletics enjoy a global reputation, securing equitable corporate partnerships requires intentional outreach.
“We seek out Black-owned businesses that share our foundational values and can meaningfully support student-athletes,” Grant says. “We found exactly that with Argia B’s MUMBO SAUCE—an inspiring history, authentic community commitment, and a brand that resonates culturally.”
The collaboration will see Howard University Men’s Basketball promote MUMBO® SAUCE throughout the season, with a portion of sales returning directly to support student-athletes.
“Howard student-athletes are students first,” Grant emphasizes. “This partnership is about supporting academic journeys and professional futures—not creating overnight millionaires.”
For Allison Collins, stewarding her father’s legacy means honoring the past while embracing modern opportunities. “The world is radically different from when my dad first created MUMBO SAUCE,” she reflects. “But the values haven’t changed. We’ve grown and adapted, yet we remain true to our roots—authentic flavor, premium quality, and purpose-driven leadership. This partnership would mean everything to him.”
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J. Cole Helped A Local Caterer Early in His Career, Now She Owns 2 Restaurants
Judith Cage, a local Fayetteville, N.C., caterer, recalls that J. Cole's $10,000 check helped her expand her business, which includes two restaurants.
www.blackenterprise.com
02/17/26
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02/15/26
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Brooklyn Tea Takes Flight at JFK Airport
Frequent fliers at John F. Kennedy International Airport can now officially buy their cup of zen from Brooklyn Tea, a Black-owned business based in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
www.bkreader.com
02/01/26
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02/20/26
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03/04/26
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*audio of event
Feb 2026
Feb 2026
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04/02/26
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Black Couple Known For Their Gullah Geechee Treats Debuts New Online Store Featuring Historic Charleston Chews
September 26, 2020
Michael & Latanya Allen, the founders and owners of Tastee Treats
04/14/26
Black Couple Debuts New Gullah Geechee Seasoning Line and Barbecue Sauces
Most recently, the couple has together launched a new Gullah Geechee seasoning and barbecue sauce line. These products are sure to impress both home cooks and professional chefs. The new line is an excellent addition to the brand’s online store.
Tastee Treats Sea’zin Line (seasoning line) is written in the Gullah Geechee vernacular to reflect our history and culture,” says Latanya. Each seasoning blend has been uniquely developed by our forefathers and passed down through generations, and guarantees a rich, authentic Gullah flavor for poultry, meat, and seafood dishes. In addition, this Sea’zin line offers specific blends for steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables. Their seasonings reflect the rich African influence on Gullah Geechee cooking.
SEA'ZIN COLLECTIONS
Tastee Treats Sea'zin guarantee to bring the fire to any chicken, pork, beef, or seafood dish you put it on. Our seasoning reflects the rich Caribbean and African influence on Gullah Geechee cooking.
tasteetreats-sc.com
Here is a snapshot of their seasonings:
Bittles-N-Such Sea’zin – a perfect blend of herbs and spices crafted to capture the essence of Gullah culture. It transforms any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Sprinkle it on fresh, roasted, or steamed vegetables, or add it to pasta and salads.
Geechee Boi BBQ Rub Sea’zin – brings your meats and poultry to life, and is specifically developed to add a sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. This robust blend creates lasting and joyful family memories.
Gullah Ting-N-Such Sea’zin – enhances the flavor of any dish. Add it to vegetables, soups, stews, or purloo rice for a smooth, savory flavor that awakens your palate.
Spicy Gullah Island Sea’zin – adds a spicy kick; starts with bold heat and is balanced with a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for grilled vegetables, poultry, beef, and lamb.
Gullah Island Sea’zin – a versatile blend designed to enhance all meats. This mild seasoning delivers a genuine Gullah flavor.
Bud Sea’zin – uniquely designed for poultry, offering a savory blend of herbs and spices that create a rich Gullah flavor.
Tangy Crik Sea’zin – a unique, flavorful blend perfect for seafood dishes, including shellfish, mussels, and fish. It can also be used in seafood stews, low-country boil, soups, salads, and dips.
Lemmun Peppa Sea’zin – adds a burst of flavor to meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, and pasta. Its refreshing, bold taste complements a healthy lifestyle.
