[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E151-E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND REFLECTION ON THE 
                       LEGACY OF BLACK BUSINESSES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2024

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, during Black 
History Month, to reflect on the legacy builders that contributed to 
the rich entrepreneurial history and culture of the great city of 
Chicago and beyond. Manufacturing, banking, retail, grocery, and 
restaurant ownership are among the industries that the 6 Collins 
brothers dominated on the south and west sides of Chicago for more than 
50 years.
  The eldest Collins, Ernest T., founded Seaway National Bank in 1965 
and was credited with pioneering the 24-hour supermarket concept at his 
four grocery store locations called The Food Basket, founded in 1952. 
Argia B. Collins, Sr., the youngest Collins brother, an accomplished 
restaurateur, created Chicago's original barbecue sauce brand--Argia 
B's Mumbo Sauce in 1950. Crafted as a signature sauce for his popular 
southside restaurants, the Mumbo Sauce brand debuted in a national 
advertising campaign in Life magazine. Collins not only tantalized the 
taste buds of Chicagoans but also became an integral part of the local 
community. A visionary entrepreneur and champion of small business, 
Argia B. was passionate about economic development and the growth of 
the African American business community. In fact, Collins was involved 
with Operation Breadbasket, a program initiated in 1966 by Dr. Martin 
Luther King. Jr. through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference 
(SCLC) to address economic issues affecting African American 
communities. He assumed a key position in operation breadbasket's 
efforts in Chicago, working alongside Reverend Jesse Jackson and other 
business leaders in the Chicago chapter. Argia B. utilized his business 
acumen to help advance the organization's goals, particularly in 
promoting economic empowerment and financial opportunities for African 
American businesses. The association with Operation Breadbasket 
resulted in the Argia B's Mumbo Sauce brand being among the first 
products manufactured by an African American company to gain chain-wide 
distribution with major grocery retailers in 1967. Other Chicago brands 
that were part of this significant campaign included Joe Louis Milk 
Company, Parker House Sausage, Grove Fresh Orange Juice, and Conway 
Cleaning Products, all quality brands created and manufactured by 
African American producers.
  I recognize and commend the contributions of the Collins brothers and 
the other African American business vanguards of the Operation 
Breadbasket movement which embody the spirit of resilience and 
ingenuity that defines the city and exemplifies the legacy of Black 
entrepreneurship. Indeed, the Collins family's Chicago roots run deep, 
anchoring them to the values of integrity, generosity, and solidarity 
that define the city's spirit.
  Today, Allison Collins, the daughter of Argia B., carries the torch 
of her father's vision as CEO of Select Brands, preserving its 
important 74-year legacy and ensuring that the spirit of the Mumbo 
Sauce brand continues to

[[Page E152]]

thrive. The company has expanded the distribution of Argia B's mumbo 
barbecue sauce beyond the confines of Chicago. Over the years, mumbo 
sauce's popularity has soared, and it is now prominently displayed on 
retail shelves across the country. This iconic sauce brings a taste of 
our city's culinary excellence to households nationwide, showcasing the 
enduring appeal of the company's 74-year commitment to quality and 
flavor. This accomplishment not only underscores the sauce's widespread 
appeal but also reflects select brands' dedication to sharing the 
flavors of Chicago worldwide.
  Again, I thank the Collins family for their tireless efforts and 
unwavering devotion to the city of Chicago. Their legacy will continue 
to inspire and uplift generations to come.
  We wish them continued success.

                          ____________________