Foods That Bind™: Critical ConversationsThird Cohort | October 2026–February 2027

The African Collaborative Network, in partnership with Motherland Cultural Connections, is pleased to announce the launch of the third cohort of Foods That Bind™: Critical Conversations.

Foods That Bind™ brings together members of diverse Black communities for meaningful conversations over shared meals. The series is designed to foster authentic relationships, deepen mutual understanding and strengthen unity among African American, African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino and other Black communities.

Introduction

The third cohort will begin on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and conclude on Saturday, February 27, 2027. Following the kickoff, participants will meet on the last Saturday of each month for a total of six three-hour sessions.

Participants will engage in facilitated conversations while sharing three-course meals that reflect the diversity and commonality of African American, African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino culinary traditions.

The cohort experience will also include a cultural immersion activity, which may involve:

Visiting a museum or site of cultural or historical significance.
Curating and attending a notable cultural celebration.
Participating in an event honoring Black history, culture and communities.
The cohort will culminate during Black History Month with a celebration of Black history, cultures and communities.

Foods That Bind™ will bring together leaders and community members from diverse Black backgrounds to learn from one another, build meaningful relationships and carry their experiences back to their families, organizations and communities.

Application Timeline

Application submission:

Applications will be accepted from August 3 through August 31, 2026.

Cohort selection and notification:

Applicants selected for the third cohort will receive confirmation by September 14, 2026.

Interested individuals should complete the application form below. Organizations and community partners are encouraged to share the application with individuals in their networks who may be interested.

At the African Collaborative Network and Motherland Cultural Connections, we believe that bridge-building is essential to strengthening and amplifying diverse Black voices. We also recognize that meaningful bridge-building requires honesty, respect, consistency and collaboration.

We welcome your support in helping make this vision a reality.

About the African Collaborative Network

The African Collaborative Network is an African-led nonprofit organization that advocates for African refugees and immigrants in West Michigan.

Through advocacy, education, dialogue and partnerships, ACN works to improve access to resources and opportunities for African communities. ACN envisions a united, engaged and empowered African community contributing to the cultural, social and economic development of West Michigan.

ACN’s pillars are:

Advocacy

Education

Economic empowerment

Unity and collaboration

About Motherland Cultural Connections

Motherland Cultural Connections creates educational and cultural experiences that use food, storytelling, dialogue and the arts to strengthen understanding, belonging and community connection.

Foods That Bind™ was developed in partnership with Motherland Cultural Connections and is informed by Motherland’s Interactive Cultural Competency Training Model™. The third cohort is presented through a partnership between Motherland Cultural Connections and the African Collaborative Network.

“Foods That Bind brings Africans and African Americans together for insightful discussions, teachable moments, challenging debates and respectful disagreements. Our shared experiences bring us together, while our different perspectives create opportunities to learn, grow and strengthen our relationships.”
— Reuben N.

“Eat when the food is ready. Speak when the time is right.”
— Ethiopian proverb