Real Men Cook celebrates 20th anniversary

It was two decades ago when then-husband and wife team, Kofi and Yvette Moyo, invited neighborhood families to gather at their Chicago home for a potluck. As a result of that gathering, Yvette said the Real Men Cook event was born and has grown to capture national attention for its effort to inspire, uplift and promote positive Black fathers as role models for their families and communities.

Now, Real Men Cook Inc., the non-profit organization that hosts Real Men Cook, is gearing up for its annual festival that recognizes the contributions Black fathers make to their families and society.

Sunday, which is also Father’s Day, will mark the 20th anniversary for Real Men Cook and will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the U. Building at Kennedy King College, 740 W. 63rd St.

For the past five years, the event was held at the South Shore Cultural Center on the South Side but was moved this year due to remodeling at the Chicago Park District facility.

For the price of admission–$20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under if purchased in advance– patrons receive unlimited tastes of food cooked by men, most of whom are fathers, said Kofi Moyo who co-founded the event in 1989 with Yvette.

“This is not a barbecue event but a gathering of people interested in raising awareness about deserving fathers and how we, as a community, can come together for a worthy cause,” Kofi Moyo told the Defender. “There will be health screenings available on-site and other resourceful information that pertains to the Black community.”

Food items historically available at the event include barbecued chicken and catfish, hamburgers, fruit and various desserts. But the food is just the hook to attract people to the event, Moyo explained.

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In photo: Barack Obama (center) and his daughters, Sasha (in his arm) and Malia (standing) attended a previous Real Men Cook event. Obama also served as a volunteer cook.

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