July 22nd 2023.
Decades ago, White's Bar-B-Q in Longview, Texas was a bustling and lively establishment, frequented by Black Americans throughout the area, even including the famous singer, Ray Charles. It was unfortunate when the restaurant closed its doors in 1985 - until Audrey White stepped in.
Audrey, the original owner's daughter, was offered the chance to bring the once popular restaurant back to life. She immediately accepted and invested $40,000 of her own savings into the project. With her leadership, the new establishment looks like it will become a success.
“The grand opening was just so exhilarating because of the support that the community has given me," she said. “When people come in, they will see things in the past; they will see themselves when they were younger.” As an example, she shared a story of a young lady who held a birthday party there. “Everybody was happy," she said. “It was just like back in the day.”
The menu, a blend of ribs, brisket, chicken legs, and sausage, is a callback to its earlier flavors. Texas is renowned for its delicious barbecue, ranking exceptionally high compared to its Southern counterparts, according to YouGov.
However, the state has a long and fraught history with Black restaurateurs. In the past, Black diners were excluded from many establishments, leading them to seek out Black-owned restaurants instead. This eventually created a community among the South’s Black Americans, as these restaurants served as safe spaces for civil rights organizers, according to Southern Living.
For an extensive list of Black-owned restaurants in Texas, visit the Texas Restaurant Association.
White's Bar-B-Q is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Black community. It is a prime example of how a strong sense of community can help bring establishments back to life.
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