Apollo Woods, Executive Director, Bigger Than Food Foundation
As Executive Director of the Bigger Than Food Foundation, I am pleased to share a pivotal moment in our journey to empower communities and celebrate culture. At the Bigger Than Food Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of cultural enterprise. It connects communities, fosters understanding, and empowers individuals to embrace their heritage while building bridges across cultures. With that mission at heart, we are proud to announce an exciting evolution of our For The Culture Pop-Up!
What began as a platform to celebrate and highlight African American culture is now expanding to include the diverse and vibrant traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Indigenous cultures. This bold new chapter will bring together the flavors, art, stories, and experiences of these communities, enriching cultural awareness in Oklahoma.
Why Expand?
The expansion of For The Culture reflects our commitment to cultural inclusivity, supplier diversity, and the belief that community empowerment succeeds when we honor all voices. By broadening our focus, we aim to:
– Amplify Representation: Showcase the beauty and richness of multiple cultures.
– Foster Connection: Build relationships across diverse communities through shared experiences.
– Create Economic Impact: Support cultural enterprises and small businesses by providing a platform for growth.
We’ve seen firsthand how food, music, and art can spark conversations and foster intersections of understanding. By embracing a wider array of cultures, For The Culture will continue to be a space where ethnic communities feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
What to Expect
The expanded For The Culture Pop-Up will feature:
– Culinary Delights: Authentic dishes and fusion creations from African American, AAPI, Hispanic, and Indigenous chefs.
– Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and storytelling that bring the liveliness of each heritage to life.
– Artistic Showcases: Visual and performing arts that celebrate identity and community.
– Educational Panels: Thought-provoking discussions on culture, history, and the power of community.
Our goal is to create a dynamic event series that inspires attendees and strengthens connections between cultural communities.
Bigger Than Food: The Impact of Cultural Enterprise
At the Bigger Than Food Foundation, we see cultural enterprise as more than an event. It’s a movement—a way to bring people together, celebrate differences, and find common ground. The expansion of For The Culture is an extension of this vision, emphasizing how collaboration across communities can lead to empowerment and mutual growth.
By embracing more cultures, we’re not just broadening the event—we’re broadening our impact. Every story told, dish shared, and connection made is a step toward a more inclusive future.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite everyone to join this journey! Whether as a vendor, sponsor, volunteer, or attendee, your involvement makes a difference. Here are a few ways to participate:
– Become a Vendor: Share your food, art, or cultural products and connect with a diverse audience.
– Sponsor the Event: Help us amplify our reach and make an even greater impact. This is an excellent opportunity for chambers of commerce and civic groups to partner with us in supporting cultural enterprises.
– Volunteer: Be part of the team that brings this vision to life and experience the joy of community building firsthand.
– Spread the Word: Share this news and invite others to join the celebration.
A Call to Action for Partners
Chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and community leaders: we invite you to partner with us in expanding For The Culture. Your support can help drive economic impact, foster cross-cultural connections, and amplify the stories of diverse communities.
Join Us in Celebrating Unity
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we’re reminded of the power of culture to bring people together. We’re thrilled to celebrate the rich diversity of African American, AAPI, Hispanic, and Indigenous cultures through For The Culture and invite you to be a part of this incredible journey.
Stay tuned for announcements, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can continue to build stronger, more connected communities—one plate, one story, and one celebration at a time.
#ForTheCulture #CulturalUnity #BiggerThanFood #CommunityEmpowerment
