Source: Shatimah Monaé Photography / Shatimah Monaé Photography
On Sunday afternoon, hundreds gathered in Brooklyn to celebrate the dynamic Black women transforming the culinary world today. Queens of the Food & Beverage Scene, presented by She Did That. and MadameNoire, spotlighted 30 exceptional Black women-owned businesses that are shaping the future of the industry.
“These women are not only feeding our communities but also breaking barriers and building legacies—and that’s something we are honored to shine a light on,” said Renae Bluitt, founder of She Did That.
Source: Shatimah Monaé / other
The sold-out gathering, taking place at Shell’s Loft in Fort Greene, welcomed guests dressed in their Sunday best. Families, foodies, artists, and innovators filled the vibrant venue, mixing and mingling as they sampled delicious bites and sipped on handcrafted beverages—from savory plant-based dishes by Black Rican Vegan to artisan cocktails by Aliya Cocktail Den, premium loose-leaf teas by Brooklyn Tea, and small-batch pastries by The Salty Heifer.
It was a space to eat, shop, and discover incredible Black-owned food and beverage brands. As Bluitt put it, the event was a certified “feast for the soul.”
The event also held space for meaningful conversations, with panels moderated by Bluitt and MadameNoire Managing Editor Danica Daniel—powered by EatOkra, the go-to resource for discovering Black-owned eateries worldwide.
Panelists included food and beverage innovators, community organizers, restaurateurs, and tastemakers. The first discussion featured Hawa Hassan (author of Setting a Place for Us), Nicole Nicholas (cofounder of Aunts et Uncles), and Rasheeda Purdie (founder of Ramen by Ra) who explored how food and beverage brands shape cultural narratives.
In the second panel, Ria Graham (cofounder of Kokomo), DarDra Coaxum (cofounder of Harlem Shake and HRLM Champagne), Zewiditu Jewel (president of The Brown Collective), and Sharene Wood (president and CEO of HH Bespoke Spirits & Beverages) came together to discuss what it means to build legacy in the culinary world.
A celebration to remember
Source: Shatimah Monaé Photography / Shatimah Monaé Photography
Guests continued to arrive well into the afternoon, filling the space with laughter, love, and community until the final bites were shared and the day came to a close. From start to finish, it was an experience that nourished both body and spirit.
“MadameNo