Private Membership Association (PMA)
American BBQ & Soul Food
Family-Governed EST. 2022
šHosting City: Providence, R.I.
šActive across all New England States
šCharlotte, N.C. We came together after arriving in Rhode Island and recognizing there was no space that reflected how we were raised, how we cook, or how we understand American barbecue. The barbecue culture we come from was shaped in Afric
an American households across this country and built on patience, fire control, seasoning discipline, and respect for the craft. Our flavors are not rushed, exaggerated, or designed for mass appeal. They come from time, technique, and the understanding that barbecue is a responsibility before it is a meal. When American barbecue is reduced to trends or narrow categories, the depth and meaning of that culture are lost. Rather than waiting for access or adjusting ourselves to fit existing structures that did not recognize that foundation, we chose to build something of our own. What we built is rooted in our standards, our values, and the lived experience that informs how we cook, gather, and protect this space
We decided to operate as a private membership association (PMA), protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which safeguards the freedom of private association. This association does not function as a public accommodation. The structure exists to protect privacy, preserve cultural integrity, and allow us to gather around shared values without outside interference. We take pride in being grounded in family and in the role barbecue plays inside African American households across America. For us, cooking has always been more than food. It has been about taking care of people, learning responsibility, and carrying forward what elders showed us by example. Our PMA is built for people who understand where this work comes from and why it deserves care. Membership is meant for families and individuals who respect American barbecue as it developed through African American tradition and everyday life, not trends or shortcuts. Being part of this circle means valuing consistency, honoring what was taught by previous generations, and helping make sure that knowledge stays intact. Membership is about responsibility as much as enjoyment, staying connected to the roots of the craft, and carrying it forward in a way that reflects pride, patience, and respect.
