Family,
This is a holy time for many. It is Ramadan, but also Lent for Christians, and Purim for our Jewish friends. Whatever you believe in, you are welcome at Baobab Fare. This is something I love about our restaurant — it is a place for everyone. When you walk through our doors, you see people from all over the world. That is our strength. That is our message: look around you.
For Ramadan, I want to stay focused on mercy. The whole world right now has a lot of fear, a lot of divided hearts, a lot of people fighting. But sometimes we forget that this life we are living is temporary. Can we just be nice people to each other? Can we love our neighbors? Can we share a stage with people we do not always agree with? If we never sit together, how will we find common ground?
Faith is about all of us. And if we want people to know who we are, we must open the door. We cannot be defensive. We must invite questions. We must be patient and calm, even when people do not understand us. Today, one side is always on attack, and the other is always on defense. This is why there is no understanding. But when you listen, when you teach, when you welcome — this is how we change the world.
Family,
Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of Baobab Fare and I’m humbled and grateful to share with you that this is also our fourth time being nominated by the James Beard Foundation as semifinalists. This time, we’ve received recognition for our outstanding hospitality. This couldn’t have happened without our guests, community, staff, and family. Thank you all so much!
I want to also take a minute to talk about our idea of hospitality. It’s different in Detroit and Burundi. In African culture, and more specifically Burundian culture, it’s less about communication and talking and focuses more on the action. Someone can invite you into their house, but they’re going to feed you more than they will converse with you. You have to finish and eat all of it because they’ve made that just for you. It’s about nurturing and making your guests feel comfortable and full.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
This journey of Baobab Fare did not happen alone. There were three women at the very beginning who believed in us before anyone else and I want to highlight them during this Women’s History Month.
Because of Kimberly Faison, who was with ProsperUs at the time, we received the training we needed and connected with the right people. Even after she left ProsperUs, we were able to close the loan. Back then, I didn’t even speak English, but she listened. She believed in the dream before it became real. Without her, Baobab Fare would not be here today.
Gracie Xavier from Global Detroit — she understood the immigrant struggle. More than anything, she checked on me. She invited me to lunch; she asked me how I was doing. In this journey, sometimes all you need is someone to ask, How are you? She was like my therapist. She reminded me that I was not alone.
Vittoria Kattanski from Hatch Detroit — I met with her every Wednesday for three years. I knew nothing about business. I knew nothing about Detroit. But she did. She introduced us to everyone, every resource we have today. She fought for us from day one.
There were many others who helped along the way, but these three built the foundation.
Imagine a world without women. Baobab Fare would not exist. Today, 85% of our staff are women. This is no accident.
WAKA
We are so excited to return to Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) this season! This community welcomed us from the start. So just know that even when Waka has its own restaurant, we will still be there at Keyworth Stadium, cheering on DCFC and feeding our community.
It is because of DCFC fans that Waka exists. We started with a tent, then a food truck, and now we are opening a brick-and-mortar. But that first spark — it was in Keyworth Stadium. The vendors there, they are like family. We all help each other, we all support each other. The energy is electric, the customers are happy, and even our children want to be there with us.
This is what community looks like.
So this month, as we all walk through this world with our different beliefs, different journeys, different struggles, let’s meet with mercy. Let’s listen. Let’s open the door. Let’s find our common ground.
❤️
Mamba
Warmth. Connection. Impact.
Give yourself a dose of fresh with our flavorful and vibrant ji
Stop by in store or shop online for our specialty juices. We’re excited to share our hibiscus ji and passion fruit ji, both fresh and delectable, delivering a mouth-watering zing that will leave your taste buds craving more.
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Together, we’re creating connections that make a meaningful difference.