Racial Composition of Teams???? (Interesting Split)

[Bigmista]

I asked MrsMista what she thought and she said it's possible that black folx that grew up in the country aren't that comfortable being around a lot of white folx, especially for that long a time. Old habits die hard. I guess they aren't aware of the camraderie we share.

 

[Bigmista]

As Merl stated earlier, there is a few all Black teams in Michigan, Big Moes, Donnies Smokehouse and I belive a fellow named Charlie here in the Flint area. They all compete here in Michigan. And as Merl also stated, they are dang good!!

I don't think talent is an issue. We all know some black folks that can cook. Does anybody have any ideas on how to encourge the formation of more black teams?

 

[tjus77]

Where exactly is his resturant? I would like to try it. I dont think I have ever been in a BBQ establishment that was owned and run by a Black man. I did see on the history channel how Blacks helped bring BBQ along. I was reading on the SBCA's website how they believe it was the Spanish and the American Indian who came up with BBQ in South Carolina. Little confused myself as to which one was correct. It could be interesting to find out. I have heard that ribs were a throw away meat and that Black slaves were the ones who discovered how to cook them. It does make one wonder why there is not more involvement with minorities. There is a huge Hispanic turnout here in the Houston area cookoffs.

The resturant I used to work at was in Pt Arthur and was run by a Korean man, go figure. Mr Campbell is a vendor on the side of the road in a blue trailer. Last I saw him was at a Sam's on 290. Don't know where he has been lately. The other black man moved also, and I don't remember where I saw him last. Seems like on 249 near Antoine, his trailer in maroon and sells some awesome smoked boudain.

 

[Sylvie]

I've been following this thread. Lots of good reasons offered for lack of participation. This is one of those areas where you're not going to be able to come up with an easily defined explanation.
The whole BBQ competion thing is a combination of many things for all of us (Ijust happen to be black and the female component of Big Mista's team).
Exposure. Most competitors get into this by knowing someone who was competing or knowing someone who knows someone. Forums like this educate and expose, but you don't see many of us posting here. Maybe there are some lurkers. Big Mista's presence does a lot to ease the way for many of us to get involved. I wouldn't be on Four BBQ if he hadn't asked.
Equipment which is ready to travel. Most black folks I know who do BBQ don't have equipment they can load on a truck and haul all over.
Dollars- includes equipment cost and fees. Not an inexpensive sport.
Time- Need to be able to take time away from work to get to competition sites. Family time at home or travel with family is often a priority for those days off.
Comfort level with other ethnic groups. I even commented to Big Mista in the beginning on how does he fit in with you guys. Based on my life experiences (and I'm pretty global), it isn't something you would expect. I'm now more open minded.
Priorities- what's important to you? No one would deny that BBQ is not a prirority for eating and bragging rights are a plus but to show whose the best at cooking at a venue which may be perceived as "not like mine" may not be high up on the list. (example would be how much heat is in the sauce. What I cook at home is hot, competition sauces mild).

I'm through for now. Got to go to work.

 

[Bigmista]

Sylvie brought up a good point about time. Think I'll start another thread...

 

[Plowboy]

Please don't take this as a racial statement but is there a reason why black people don't barbecue in texas?

I've read this entire thread to this point. First comment is that you should ask some blacks this question. Most of us middle aged white guys can only guess.

The same question can be asked of women. Most women in comp BBQ were dragged into this because of their husbands. Some love it equally, others tolerate it, and others hate it. I know as few all chick BBQ teams as I do all Black or Asian teams. Funny that Hispanics are fairly represented, but harder to pick out in the crowd I think.

 

[Plowboy]

Partial Theory (I also agree with the city slicker theory): Same reason we do not have a lot of black members on the BBQ forums. I was a little apprehensive about joining BBQ forums earlier this year (join some, but never stayed for more than a coupla weeks), because I knew I could hear some uncomfortable discussions from folks who rightfully/wrongfully are stereotyped as "rednecks."

However, I got a few friends who consider themselves "rednecks" and I get along with them just fine.

Additionally, I bought a home 2.5 years ago in a rural area and had the same aforementioned apprehension. I got over it after a month or so of meeting the neighbors and such. Now it will be easier/more comfortable for another black family to move to the area.

I also was reluctant about competing, but Mista has got me feening to enter a comp or two. So, as more folks like Mista and me get out there the more black folks will join as well.

BTW: I do feel at home here and stayed on because the day after I joined I realized Mista was like me. Remember the Spaghetti porn thread started by Joe in May. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17531

Mista said Joe's spaghetti was "white folks spaghetti" and then folks like Hodedo, Fat Daddy, Qman, Sledneck and few others said they must be black because they make black folk spaghetti too. Well that's the day, I knew I was in the right place for me.

Just my .02, thanks for listening!

Here's my second comment on this thread.

I've been in Big Brotha's shoes where I've been out of my element. Every month I take my son Michael (who is black) to get his hair cut. Chit grows like crazy!!! I could go to some barber in our suburb and could probably find one who is also black. Instead, we go DOWNTOWN to a black owned, black operated, and black patroned barber shop. It is in the hood. Michael is almost 3 and has no concept of race yet. One day he will. He'll have friends. He'll have a wife. He'll have a family of inlaws... poor kid. Many of these people will likely be black as well. 99% of those folks will have grown up going to these kinds of barber shops every month and probably still will. He won't be able to relate at some of these deep levels with people of his own skin. This can lead to potential identity and relationship issues. My whole job as a father is to raise well adjusted sons. Like adoption, race differences will be something that we'll talk about throughout our lives. Every kid reacts differently. Best to be prepared and proactive.

The barber shop is such a cultural thing for blacks. One day, Michael will have an appreciation for that experience.

We'll getting to my point, I'm the only white guy... hell, the only non-black in the entire place. I may be the only white person that's been in that shop all week or month. The first time was a little weird, just like Brotha was saying. Each time, I got more comfortable, and I could tell that others were getting more comfortable with me being there. Some guys wanna talk with me and some don't. That's all fine. I can understand if someone feels like I'm trespassing on their ground or culture. Most people don't and most understand without discussing it, why I'm there.

It is a great experience. I love going there. Seems like I see something new or have a new story to tell each time I go. You get a new appreciation for people and an awareness of people when you step into their shoes.

Why is it that there is something in this country called Black Culture and Hispanic Culture... but no White Culture? Because White culture is what we are all exposed to. (I'm stealing this thought from a book I've read.) Some of us could use a little taste of "other" culture in our lives. Taking our kids to a daycare/school with hispanic teachers speaking spanish has also been great. My poor ass spanish is picking up.

So, I can see if stepping out into a white, middle aged, male dominated arena like comp BBQ is a little intimidating. We are typically comfortable with people who are like us because generational, geographical, and socioeconomical like minded ideals typically come along with that. We like our comfort zones.

Adios, amigos.

 

[Plowboy]

Please don't take this as a racial statement but is there a reason why black people don't barbecue in texas? Or do they just not compete?

My last comment is...

I'm trying to raise a black comp bbq'er myself!!! Well, not in Texas, but he'll be in the MoKan area. I have a dream of my sons either taking over the team one day or having a team of their own like Andy Groneman taking the que from his dad.

 

[big brother smoke]

Here's my second comment on this thread.

I've been in Big Brotha's shoes where I've been out of my element. Every month I take my son Michael (who is black) to get his hair cut. Chit grows like crazy!!! I could go to some barber in our suburb and could probably find one who is also black. Instead, we go DOWNTOWN to a black owned, black operated, and black patroned barber shop. It is in the hood. Michael is almost 3 and has no concept of race yet. One day he will. He'll have friends. He'll have a wife. He'll have a family of inlaws... poor kid. Many of these people will likely be black as well. 99% of those folks will have grown up going to these kinds of barber shops every month and probably still will. He won't be able to relate at some of these deep levels with people of his own skin. This can lead to potential identity and relationship issues. My whole job as a father is to raise well adjusted sons. Like adoption, race differences will be something that we'll talk about throughout our lives. Every kid reacts differently. Best to be prepared and proactive.

The barber shop is such a cultural thing for blacks. One day, Michael will have an appreciation for that experience.

We'll getting to my point, I'm the only white guy... hell, the only non-black in the entire place. I may be the only white person that's been in that shop all week or month. The first time was a little weird, just like Brotha was saying. Each time, I got more comfortable, and I could tell that others were getting more comfortable with me being there. Some guys wanna talk with me and some don't. That's all fine. I can understand if someone feels like I'm trespassing on their ground or culture. Most people don't and most understand without discussing it, why I'm there.

It is a great experience. I love going there. Seems like I see something new or have a new story to tell each time I go. You get a new appreciation for people and an awareness of people when you step into their shoes.

Why is it that there is something in this country called Black Culture and Hispanic Culture... but no White Culture? Because White culture is what we are all exposed to. (I'm stealing this thought from a book I've read.) Some of us could use a little taste of "other" culture in our lives. Taking our kids to a daycare/school with hispanic teachers speaking spanish has also been great. My poor ass spanish is picking up.

So, I can see if stepping out into a white, middle aged, male dominated arena like comp BBQ is a little intimidating. We are typically comfortable with people who are like us because generational, geographical, and socioeconomical like minded ideals typically come along with that. We like our comfort zones.

Adios, amigos.

I can actually picture what you are saying. We owned two barber shops in the hood. One by my mom and the other by my Grandfather and Dad.

The patriarchs have sinced passed and my mom is still barbering on the south side of Chicago. You gotta to love the conversations that go on in there.

 

[Bigmista]

I guess I'm just a little bit different because I just like to have a good time and it doesn't matter who it's with. MrsMista thinks I'm crazy cause I wake up in the morning dancing by myself.

I celebrate everybody's holidays. I'm Irish on St. Patricks day. I'm Mexican on Cinco de Mayo. Hell if they had a party, I'd be Jewish on Yom Kippur. I've never been afraid to go out and experience someone else's culture and probably look pretty goofy doing it. Might be why I feel comfortable here.

If that makes other people feel comfortable and open more doors, then so be it.

 

[Smokin Gator]

Interesting thread

I have really enjoyed reading the post on this thread. It has certainly not something that had ever occured to me, but I can tell you that whether you get it a competition or not you owe it to yourself to get some Q cooked by old time black cooks.

Having grown up in rural north Florida with lots of blacks I have been eating at black owned joints all my life. Probably eight of my top ten spots are owned by blacks and they are in predominately black sections of the town. Lots of whites in the past wouldn't go to them just because where they were located. Their loss. I never cared... the Q was so good!

One of my favorites no longer exists but it was in Gainesville Florida for at least 40 years or so. It was named Prez and Ed's. My dad ate there in the 40's and I used to eat there all the time in the early 80's. I would always get the bbq goat and kept asking for the sauce to be hotter (spicier). After a few times it got to be a fun running competition... I'd order, the person at the counter would turn around and say to the cooks "That white boy is here wanting some hot goat." The cooks made it hotter every time and I kept asking for it hotter. I guess the had some fun watching me sweat in my plate 'cause they would laugh like heck. They loved having me there though and I learned a heck of a lot from them.

I still know of several black families that Q almost every weekend. Lots of family and friends stop by and eat and visit. A couple have built small tin roofed sheds just so everyone can sit out of the weather and enjoy the sharing. I think many of us have gotten too busy to enjoy that kind of Qing. Maybe they have the idea!

To me it really doesn't matter whether any of those folks ever choose to compete. I know how good they can cook and will continue to support them.

I know this got a little rambly but I kind of got touched at how much I have learned about Qing from people in my past and several of them were black. I certainly appreciate it and couldn't care less what the color of their skin is.

 

[Dustaway]

Bigmista you are welcome in my camp anytime you get your traveling shoe's on :biggrin: and that goes to any of my fellow brethren brothers out their

I guess I'm just a little bit different because I just like to have a good time and it doesn't matter who it's with. MrsMista thinks I'm crazy cause I wake up in the morning dancing by myself.

I celebrate everybody's holidays. I'm Irish on St. Patricks day. I'm Mexican on Cinco de Mayo. Hell if they had a party, I'd be Jewish on Yom Kippur. I've never been afraid to go out and experience someone else's culture and probably look pretty goofy doing it. Might be why I feel comfortable here.

If that makes other people feel comfortable and open more doors, then so be it.

 

[Bigmista]

Bigmista you are welcome in my camp anytime you get your traveling shoe's on :biggrin: and that goes to any of my fellow brethren brothers out their

I have no doubt that just about everyone here feels the same way.

 

[bbqbull]

Bigmista you are welcome in my camp anytime you get your traveling shoe's on :biggrin: and that goes to any of my fellow brethren brothers out their

I feel the same way as Dustaway does. Skin to me is only a color. I veiw it the same as different colored clothing,houses and automobiles.
Heck ive met more mean and nasty folks that are white.

I love to have fun and I have friends of many colors that are my true friends.

Mike

 

[Plowboy]

I can actually picture what you are saying. We owned two barber shops in the hood. One by my mom and the other by my Grandfather and Dad.

The patriarchs have sinced passed and my mom is still barbering on the south side of Chicago. You gotta to love the conversations that go on in there.

Since our barber moved to a new shop, it isn't as lively. He's younger and cuts all of the kids and young men. Now, at the old shop, the old guys would sit in the back with the 60 something barber. Now those guys could talk about nothing all damn day. They didn't sensor themselves because I was there, either. I'm a shut your mouth and listen kinda guy anyway.

One morning we were their early and were the first ones in the front of the shop. The lights weren't even on. We can in the front door and startled them. They thought someone was coming in to rob them... so one guy said. Another said, "I was gonna say you are in the wrong place, until I saw Little Man (referring to my son)."

 

[Bigmista]

I don't to the barber shop much anymore since my son lives with his mom about 75 miles away. I cut my own hair but I always took him there. Could always fall into a heated discussion there.

Come to think of it, it's kinda like here.

 

[Harbormaster]

I think barbeque is like hockey, except with less Canadians.

I don't care who ya are, that there's funny.

Only been to a couple comps (of course, both were in the Midwest, one of them extremely 'rural') and I did not see a big mix of races at either.
The one thing I did notice that it didn't matter what color, creed, or other ethnic group one wants to lump themselves into, everyone was polite, nice, kind and caring.
Thats what matters to me.

 

[Sawdustguy]

Not to hijack the thread but Plowboy you have a fine looking young man there. My wife thinks he is adorable.

 

[Plowboy]

Not to hijack the thread but Plowboy you have a fine looking young man there. My wife thinks he is adorable.

Thanks. He turns a lot of heads.

 

[Bigmista]

My last comment is...

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4545&stc=1&d=1165602131
I'm trying to raise a black comp bbq'er myself!!! Well, not in Texas, but he'll be in the MoKan area. I have a dream of my sons either taking over the team one day or having a team of their own like Andy Groneman taking the que from his dad.

MMMMM...boiled kid!:mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen: :lol: :rotf: