Food is foundational to culture, it connects generations and brings people together. For American culture, that food is barbecue.
Kingsford has been part of the barbecue culture for over a hundred years. To keep barbecue culture going strong, Kingsford has unveiled Pass The Tongs. It’s an initiative designed to highlight Black grilling traditions and empower the next generation of grillers.
The initiative is part part of a larger mission around preserving tradition and setting up the next generation. Kingsford has long been focused on that mission, but specifically through the Preserve the Pit fellowship since 2021.
It matched barbecue entrepreneurs with a network of mentors while also providing them with monetary grants and resources. Mentors for the program have included some big names in barbecue like Pat Neely, Rashad Jones, and Rasheed Philips. Kingsford has invested more than $355,000 in Preserve the Pit alone.
The new Pass The Tongs program is a partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and local community organizations. It will spotlight traditions through a series of events and experiences.
At Kingsford, grilling is more than just a craft. It’s a tradition that connects generations and communities. With Pass The Tongs, we’re not just celebrating the past—we’re fueling the future by empowering emerging innovators and storytellers who carry this legacy forward.
Mitch O’Furey, Marketing Director at Kingsford
An essential partner to Kingsford of the initiative is Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, GA that traces its roots to a church basement in 1867. The collaboration will bring interactive experiences to the Morehouse campus as a way to inspire and unite people through barbecue.
We are thrilled to collaborate with Kingsford, whose commitment to uplifting our students, enhancing their on-campus experience and expanding career pathways aligns perfectly with Morehouse College’s mission. Pass The Tongs presents a unique opportunity to support our student body as we work together to nurture the next generation of leaders.
Katina Henderson-Hawkins, Director of Event Sponsorships, Partnerships and Parent Engagement at Morehouse College
The upcoming schedule of events will take place across Atlanta offers learning, fun, and of course, great barbecue to students, Atlantans, and visitors.
- Morehouse Hump Wednesday (August 27): Curated grill tastings powered by celebrity chef Way, live music and fireside chat, featuring student moderator, Isaiah Evans (HBCU Buzz’s Top HBCU Host of 2025) and acclaimed actress and Dream Above The Influence founder, Gail Bean. The conversation will explore the tradition and importance of cultural preservation through the lens of barbecue heritage.
- Taste of Soul Atlanta (August 30): Elevated culinary tasting trail at the Home Depot Backyard, showcasing regional barbecue styles and celebrating the rich traditions of culinary heritage with expertly curated flavors and memorable tasting moments.
- Morehouse Homecoming (October 18): Immersive cookout experience inclusive of hands-on grilling stations, dynamic culture trivia, and special moments that honor legacy while inspiring future leaders, and a special appearance by celebrity pitmaster and Preserve the Pit alum Pat Neely to enrich the event’s celebration of community and tradition.