I have some great news! Columbus B. Hill, an African American man who lived in Colorado for fifty years will be inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. Please click here for the write-up that I did on the Hall of Fame announcement. On September 30th, I’m going to represent Hill at the induction ceremony since he didn’t have any descendants. Very cool!
On October 7th, I’m going to have a memorial service for Hill at his currently unmarked grave at the Riverside Cemetery in Denver. That day, I’m to lay a grave marker that will have his image (the one above) and an indication that he is an American Royal Hall of Fame barbecue man.
Here’s my ask:
I’d love for you to run a barbecue special from October 6th to 9th (or any one of those days) to celebrate Columbus B. Hill during the weekend celebrating another Columbus. Hill arguably cooked every animal that roamed the Rocky Mountain West, but let’s focus on Colorado by featuring a bison or lamb barbecue dish. I’ve reached out to the American Lamb Board and the National Bison Association to see if they might provide meat to those who don’t have it as a regular menu item.
Just let me know what the special is by October 1st, and I’ll spread the word. I’ll also work to get some earned media in 5280, the Denver Post, and Westword.
Let me know if you’re interested by calling me at (303) 917-3864 or emailing me at soulfoodscholar@gmail.com.
If you’d like to contribute to the cost of Hill’s grave marker, hit me up on that too. Anything you give will be appreciated and you will be indicated on the press release about it.
Thanks for considering!
Adrian