Are you ready for Taste of Soul, virtually? Taste of Soul was designed to highlight Black businesses, the best of ethnic cuisine, concerts, art, family fun with health and job resources in our community. Although we will miss this year’s festival, Taste of Soul is still here serving the community.
“After we made the decision not to hold an in-person Taste of Soul this year, I realized that our community needed Taste of Soul and the tenets of the event, now, more than ever. People still need food, and although we are all safer at home, people also need entertainment; they need to feel that LOVE that Taste of Soul instills throughout our community. So, with the help of Zafar Brooks and Hyundai Motors of North America, the Los Angeles County Regional Food Bank, our local union friends, and a myriad of elected officials and community supporters, we have found a way to bring to our community Taste of Soul – On-Line and On Time,” said Danny. J. Bakewell, Sr. Bakewell, founder/creator of Taste of Soul and chairman of Bakewell Media.
The spirit of Taste of Soul has always been huge, and it refused to be silenced by a worldwide pandemic! You can catch this star-studded event via Livestream at www.tasteofsoul.org on Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m. PST, sponsored by Hyundai. Come and party virtually with Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., elected officials, entertainers and of course—Taste of Soul Nation! Taste of Soul will also present a drive-thru community food distribution that will take place on the same day, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.
The virtual show will feature musical performances by artists such as After 7, Anthony Hamilton, Deborah Joy Winans, Doug E. Fresh, En Vogue, Fred Hammond, Jade Novah, Kool Moe Dee, MAJOR., Tamela Mann and Montell Jordan. The virtual event will also have appearances by Darrin Dewitt Henson, Roland Martin, Lamman Rucker, Loni Love, Kim Fields, Dr. Bobby Jones, Faithe C. Herman, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Debbie Allen. Comedian and actress, Kym Whitley will host the virtual event with D.J. Mal-Ski hosting the final part of the show: Virtual Taste of Soul House Party from 8 p.m.-9 p.m. PST.
The fun doesn’t stop there— join Taste of Soul’s social media contest by posting a photo to social media wearing your favorite Taste of Soul gear, alma mater or favorite mask using the hashtag #TasteofSoul2020. Selected winners will win $100 gift cards or a Taste of Soul gift basket.
The Taste of Soul virtual event welcomes community messaging about COVID-19, health & safety, voting and more by Taste of Soul chairs & co-chairs – Mayor Eric Garcetti, Congressmember Karen Bass, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Councilman Herb Wesson, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and other elected officials and celebrities.
There will also be a panel discussion on the “State of Our America,” moderated by CBS2/KCAL9 Anchor, Pat Harvey featuring panelists: Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, 59th District, Assemlbymember Mike Gipson, 64th District & Dr. George McKenna, board member, LAUSD Dist.1.
On the same day, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., the Taste of Soul Community Food Distribution will be supporting families and Black businesses that need help during this pandemic. There will be a drive-thru (only) located at the Los Angeles Sentinel office located at 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., LA 90008.
This food distribution is supported by Bakewell Media/L.A. Sentinel in partnership with Mothers in Action, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Councilman Herb Wesson, L.A. Food Bank, L.A. County Federation of Labor, Labor Community Services, Miquel Contreras Foundation, Brotherhood Crusade, SEIU 2015, Bank of America, TNBC, AFGE, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Water District, Radio Free KJLH and 94.7 The Wave, US Bank, L.A. World Airports, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Harold & Belles, Mel’s Fish Shack, and The District by GS.
Along with groceries from the L.A. Food Bank, pre-packaged meals are included, served by Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Harold & Belles, Mels Fish Shack and The District by GS, providing the community with a little ‘Taste’ of Taste of Soul. The meals will be cooked off-site and pre-packaged for distribution following strict COVID-19 health restrictions approved by L.A. County Public Health.
Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel presents the Taste of Soul Online and On-time Virtual Concert in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the street festival portion of the festivities due to social distancing guidelines this year. The 15th Annual Taste of Soul Goes Virtual event will keep the tradition going, keeping everyone safe and bringing the best in entertainment.
Proud partners of the virtual Taste of Soul include: L.A. County, L.A. City, Mothers In Action, CBS2/KCAL9, 94.7 The WAVE, 102.3 Radio FREE KJLH, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Water District, Chase Bank, SEIU 2015, Brotherhood Crusade, Law Firm: Ivie, McNeill, Wyatt, Purcell & Diggs and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw.
Please stay tuned to www.tasteofsoul.org and meet up with the rest of Taste of Soul Nation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Don’t forget to support the L.A. Sentinel in print and digital and look for more information on how you can support Black businesses at www.lasentinel.net.
