Detroit Is Different’s Collard Green Cook-Off Returns July 26 with New Location, Same Soulful Flavor

July 26, 2025

The 3rd Annual Detroit Is Different Collard Green Cook-Off is moving to the Samaritan Center's Wellness Center Gym on July 26, 2025, with the theme "Bridging Detroit Through Culture and Cuisine. " This free community event celebrates Detroit's urban farming heritage and Black culinary traditions, featuring eight local chefs competing for the Collard Green Cook-Off Champion title. Attendees receive one free tasting ticket upon entry and can purchase additional tickets for $2 each, allowing them to sample dishes and participate in voting alongside a panel of judges to determine the winner.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and community members
Black Detroiters with cultural connections to collard greens
The eight featured chefs competing in the cook-off
Urban farmers and growers in Detroit
Attendees of all generations (elders, youth mentioned specifically)
The Samaritan Center community (east side Detroit)

What action is being taken

Detroit Is Different is organizing the 3rd Annual Collard Green Cook-Off
The event is being relocated to the Samaritan Center's Wellness Center Gym
Eight local chefs are preparing and sharing their collard green recipes
Organizers are implementing a hybrid voting system combining public votes and judges' opinions
The event is being offered free to the public with complimentary tasting tickets

Why it matters

The cook-off celebrates and preserves Black culinary traditions and family recipes
It honors Detroit's urban farming legacy and growing Black farming movement
The event connects different generations through shared food experiences
It serves as a cultural connector across Detroit neighborhoods
Collard greens represent important aspects of Black history, survival, and heritage
The gathering creates community and fosters relationships through food

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle