The Oakland Museum of California is slated to host the vibrant BBQ Without Borders event on August 2, from 3pm to 7pm. This fundraiser, organized by No Immigrants No Spice (NINS), celebrates immigrants' diverse culinary and cultural contributions while aiming to raise $50,000 for the Resilience Fund. The fund represents a joint effort between NINS and the Unity Council to offer mutual aid to immigrants who lack access to traditional aid. As reported by Berkeleyside, the event will not only tantalize taste buds with an array of international flavors but also aims to foster understanding and recognition of the immigrant community's impact on society.
The biennial event tempts attendees with global barbecue interpretations from immigrant chefs intent on sharing their native cuisines and stories. Dr. Vibha Gupta, who led the creation of NINS, elaborated in a statement obtained by Berkeleyside that food serves as a "vessel for connection and storytelling." Featured at the event will be culinary talents like Maria Marquez from Tacos Mama Cuca, offering traditional and modern Mexican food; Anthony Salguero of Popoca, showcasing Salvadorian-inspired dishes; and representatives from Cafe Colucci, bringing Ethiopian cuisine to the table. The lineup also includes Third Culture Bakery, known for its fusion of Indonesian and Taiwanese pastries, and personifying the event's spirit of cultural diversity.
With the theme "Toward A Greener Future," this year's BBQ Without Borders exhibition focuses on how immigrant communities have historically promoted sustainable living. Art and personal narratives will interweave, forming a storytelling tapestry from recycled materials. Tiffany Trieu, the creative director of the exhibition, told Berkeleyside, "We really wanted to remove the idea of sustainability from capitalism and acknowledge that a lot of immigrant communities have already been practicing sustainability."
Entertainment is a key component of the BBQ Without Borders experience, with various performances scheduled throughout the event. According to the official website of NINS, the lineup boasts local celebrities such as DJ Alex Pasternak, Meli Cruz, Diana Gameros, and many others set to capture the crowd's imagination. Attendance promises not just a day of feasting on exquisite food but also one that celebrates the richness of immigrant cultures and the enduring spirit of sharing and community.
For those looking to participate in this flavorful affair, tickets start at $85 and can be purchased directly through No Immigrants No Spice.
