{"id":16181,"date":"2025-08-22T07:53:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footwearmagazine.com\/?p=16181"},"modified":"2025-08-24T21:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T03:48:06","slug":"kingsford-2025-pass-the-tongs-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footwearmagazine.com\/?p=16181","title":{"rendered":"Kingsford Expands $355K Investment in Black Barbecue Culture With Pass The Tongs Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new initiative mixes mentorship food festivals and cultural dialogue to honor the past and inspire the next generation of barbecue changemakers.<\/p>\n

Kingsford<\/a>, the legendary name in American barbecue, has launched Pass The Tongs<\/a>\u2014an ambitious program dedicated to uplifting Black grilling culture and empowering tomorrow\u2019s food innovators. First stop: Atlanta<\/a>, with a slate of lively events that link the tradition of the grill to the city\u2019s spirit of celebration and progress.<\/p>\n

Setting the Table for Community and Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pass The Tongs<\/a> builds on Kingsford<\/a>\u2019s longstanding commitment to preserving barbecue heritage and invests in food leaders of color. Since 2021, the brand\u2019s Preserve the Pit<\/a> initiative has fueled more than $355,000 in mentorship, grants, and resources, supporting dozens of barbecue businesses across the nation. With Pass The Tongs<\/a>, the focus sharpens: enhance cultural education, celebrate community ties, and open opportunities for a new generation of grillmasters.<\/p>\n

Mitch O’Furey, Marketing Director at Kingsford<\/strong>, said<\/a>, “At Kingsford<\/a>, grilling is more than just a craft. It’s a tradition that connects generations and communities. With Pass The Tongs<\/a>, we’re not just celebrating the past\u2014we’re fueling the future by empowering emerging innovators and storytellers who carry this legacy forward.”<\/p>\n

Morehouse College Partnership Bridges Tradition and Opportunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Central to this initiative is Kingsford<\/a>\u2019s partnership with historic Morehouse College<\/a>\u2014a cultural cornerstone in Atlanta\u2019s Black community. This collaboration aims to foster meaningful conversations, host new campus events, and expand career connections, all centered around barbecue\u2019s role in collective heritage.<\/p>\n

Katina Henderson-Hawkins, Director of Event Sponsorships, Partnerships and Parent Engagement at Morehouse College<\/strong>, said<\/a>, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Kingsford<\/a>, whose commitment to uplifting our students, enhancing their on-campus experience and expanding career pathways aligns perfectly with Morehouse College<\/a>‘s mission. Pass The Tongs<\/a> presents a unique opportunity to support our student body as we work together to nurture the next generation of leaders.”<\/p>\n

Flavor-Filled Events Bring the Initiative to Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Pass The Tongs<\/a> program will pop up throughout Atlanta<\/a> in summer and fall, inviting all to gather and celebrate culinary legacy and innovation:<\/p>\n