Ben’s Original™ launches ‘chef stories’ with Chef Marcus Samuelsson

CHICAGO – BEN’S ORIGINAL™ and award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson have teamed up to launch the brand’s “My Original Recipe” chef stories debuting September 10, 2021. Complementing the brand’s just-launched global marketing campaign – “Everyone’s Original” – these personal narratives highlight paths to possibility through food and bring to life the brand’s ambition to create a more inclusive and equitable future. The series is available on the BEN’S ORIGINAL USA YouTube channel and across social and media platforms.

Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind many restaurants worldwide including Red Rooster Harlem, MARCUS Montreal, Marcus B&P, Red Rooster Overtown and Marcus Fish + Chop House in the Bahamas. He has won multiple James Beard Foundation awards for his work as a chef and host of No Passport Required, his public television series with Vox/Eater. Samuelsson was crowned champion of Top Chef Masters and Chopped All-Stars and was the guest chef for President Obama’s first state dinner. A committed philanthropist, Samuelsson is co-chair of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), which focuses on underserved youth. Author of several cookbooks, in addition to The New York Times bestselling memoir Yes, Chef, Samuelsson also co-produces the annual Harlem EatUp! Festival, which celebrates the food, art, and culture of Harlem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuelsson converted his restaurants Red Rooster Harlem, Marcus B&P in Newark, and Red Rooster Overtown in Miami into community kitchens in partnership with World Central Kitchen, serving over 230,000 meals to those in need. His podcast titled This Moment with Swedish rapper Timbuktu is available on ACAST. His newest cookbook The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food is out now.

In his “My Original Recipe”, Samuelsson discusses the challenges he faced early in his career, the inspiration and support he received from family and the value of championing the next generation of Black chefs. Along with his interview, Samuelsson prepares his recipe for Crab Fried Rice featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL™ READY RICE™ Jasmine, which can be found here on BensOriginal.com

“The Black experience around food and American food is one. You can’t talk about American food without the Black experience. There are cultures in America where a meal is not complete without rice at the table,” said Samuelsson. “My goal in partnering with BEN’S ORIGINAL is to authentically tell my story in the hopes of empowering others to pursue their dreams.”

This fall will continue the “My Original Recipe” series with Chef Nick Wallace. The Mississippi chef will also support the brand’s community efforts in Greenville, Mississippi where BEN’S ORIGINAL rice has been produced for more than 43 years. Wallace recently opened Nissan Café by Nick Wallace at Two Museums Mississippi, and he has been recognized as the best chef in Jackson (his hometown) for the past four years and as the best chef of Mississippi in 2020.

“No family, individual or meal is the same. Everyone has their own unique story to tell and recipe to share,” said Ashley Findlay, Marketing Director, BEN’S ORIGINAL. “BEN’S ORIGINAL is proud to share chefs Marcus Samuelsson’s and Nick Wallace’s stories of achievement, how they discovered their passion, the importance of a diverse food culture and industry and their strong connection to the purpose work of our brand.”

The content series is the latest effort from UniWorld Group (UWG), the longest-standing multicultural advertising and marketing agency in the United States.

BEN’S ORIGINAL brand has committed a total of $4.5 million over the next five years in support of inclusion and equity and to create opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table. This spring, in partnership with National Urban League and UNCF (United Negro College Fund), BEN’S ORIGINAL brand launched its SEAT AT THE TABLE™ Fund Scholarship for Black students who want to pursue food industry careers; this year’s recipients will be announced this fall. In Greenville, the company recently announced a new partnership with MolinaCares and Kroger Delta Division to bolster its $2.5 million investment focused on improving food access and education throughout the Mississippi Delta.

In July 2021, Mars Food announced a $3.1 million product donation to long-standing national partners including Feeding America® and CARE, as well as a variety of local partners in communities where Mars operates, including in Greenville, Miss. (Hearty Helpings Food Pantry), Chicago (Greater Chicago Food Depository) and Newark (Community FoodBank of New Jersey), to name a few.

The recently announced BEN’S ORIGINAL global marketing campaign – “Everyone’s Original” – is linked with the brand’s ongoing commitment to enhance inclusion and equity in service of its purpose to offer everyone a seat at the table.

The first commercials from the new campaign, called “We’re all original recipes™,” are designed to showcase the ‘ingredients’ that make us who we truly are. The commercials feature a collection of six real families who gather round the table for their favorite meals and show the unique recipes, traditions and interactions that make each family original. The families include a Black nuclear family, a pair of friends, three roommates, a single-parent family, a family who uses sign-language and a multi-generational Pakistani family.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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