EP. 081 - How Chili Saved D.C. Community and Culture Feat. Virginia Ali Founder of Ben's Chili Bowl.

As-Salaam Alaikum Everybody!!! Welcome to the Young & Muslim with hosts, Jibreel Salaam & Mohamed Hassan!!! We have such an exciting episode today. We sat down with the beautiful soul herself. Ms. Virginia Ali. The Co-founder of Ben's Chili Bowl. Yes, we are talking about one of the historical sites of Washing ton DC with some good old Chili Burgers & fries! Ms. Ali has been in business and serving the community for over 62 years when her and her husband started the business with $5,000. Since then, her and her family have over 5 locations and expanding mashallah! She talks about how islam has influenced her life by treating people the way she would want to. She believed in servicing everybody. No matter who you were or what you believed in. She wanted to make you felt welcomed into her restaurant & best believe we felt great when visiting the restaurant. We actually recorded this episode inside Bens' Chili bowl in DC haha. The legacy of Ben's Chili bowl is impeccable! When hey first opened on 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, it was 1958. They have weathered the storm! When a time when black businesses were flourishing in the Nations capital. Black Broadway she called it! A black renaissance that served as a prominent symbol of black culture. Especially during a time when it was tough. During the height of Jim Crow, than not long after the good times of black businesses, education, medicine, literary and performing arts professionals. ,Things changed. Black Broadway would experience a horrid time. Martin Luther King was assassinated. The people were devastated. Didn't take too long after that Riots and reck came about the streets as people were furious. Business were getting destroyed. Cars getting vandalized. Ben Ali & his wife Ms. Virginia had to make a decision on the future of their business and life. They decided to push through and have faith in their community. So because of the greta inviting culture, they were a safe space during a a hard time. They would have police officers, firefighters, and rioters all eating a burger together. Ben's Chili Bowl was a safe space. Everybody just agreed nothing was going to act up. It was a place for conversation and a bowl of awesome chili. Not too long after that hardship. They were hit with another. Crack, Cocaine, & heroin took many lives & opportunities. The district was hit hard & people were getting locked up and lives would be spent in jail. Seeing this around them, Ms. Virginia & her husband Ben Ali would still not give up to their commitment for their people. Sub'hannalh, Ben's CHili bowl served & stood strong with the community! Because of their brave efforts and faith, they were able to see the community turn back around. Only 3 business in the U Street community survived the drug epidemic, riot, and vandelims era. They were all family business that are still operating now. So because of the responsibility they had to take care of the people, when things turn around the people took care of them. They have visitors from All over the globe now and celebrities who know about the rich history of Ben's Chili bowl and the importance it has on the nations capital. Especially during the Civil rights era & integration. Now the Chili Bowl is a top destination to visit when visiting DC. Right at the top of the list with the Washington memorial & Whitehouse. People as the likes of Chris Tucker, Anthony Bourdain, Dre. Dre & Obama have been to Ben's Chili bowl and has enjoyed the great the food! When you visit Ms. Virginia, (yes she still works), you can see the many familiar faces who are framed throughout the HQ location in 1213 U Street gives which gives the ambiance excellence & friendships like no other. It's a must go to as they serve a great chili, burger, and hotdog options! This was a special episode for Black History. Hope you enjoyed this show as much as we did recording it!Please support Ben's Chili Bowl & th