Cassandra Gaines Company: The National Soul Food Cook-Off

Biography:
Cassandra Gaines is the founder of The National Soul Food-Cook Off, headquartered in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Launched in February, 2008, The National Soul Food Cook-Off is a local, regional and national competition to showcase the best soul food chefs in communities nationwide and provide a unique family, cultural and entertainment venue. The Cook-Off features good food, fun and an educational component regarding the history of soul food cooking and cooking tips from top chefs.

A renaissance woman with tremendous energy, Cassandra Gaines is a recognized and celebrated tourism executive in the state of Oklahoma. She also holds the positions of Muskogee Civic Center Director; Muskogee Multi-Cultural Tourism Coordinator; and Manager of The Roxy Theater, a historic and beloved Muscogee landmark.

A high-spirited and innovative thinker, Cassandra’s vision for The National Soul Food Cook-Off is to create an event that celebrates the rich African American cultural heritage of soul food and the universal tradition of bringing people together to enjoy good food. The Cook-Off has already generated tremendous interest and excitement, and is quickly becoming an institution. Cities welcoming the landmark event this year include Little Rock, Arkansas; Tulsa Oklahoma; Oklahoma City; Jackson, Mississippi; and Beaumont Texas. In each city, the event has featured some of the finest local chefs, until now unheralded, and a sell-out crowd of families and community members young and old.

Sponsors of The National Soul Food Cook-Off are varied and growing in number. The founding sponsor is Paula Marshall, CEO of Oklahoma-based The Bama Companies, Inc. (best known for Bama Pies.) Paula’s company motto is “People helping people be successful!” and her commitment to the Cook-Off is indicative of this philosophy. The popular chain Runts Barbecue, with five stores throughout the state of Oklahoma is also a sponsor of the Cook-Off. Most recently, Cassandra has welcomed JTE Spirits of New Jersey as a sponsor. JTE, headed by Sheena and Paul Jones, is the maker of Pour Moi, a fine cognac blended in France especially for women.

Cassandra has a history of success in bringing people together. She has been actively involved in tourism in the Northeastern Oklahoma region since 1982. She is a pioneer in the tourism industry’s rapidly growing niche market of Heritage Tourism. While working for the Muskogee Department of Convention and Tourism in 1996, Cassandra wrote a proposal to the Oklahoma Historical Society for funding to help promote African American Heritage Tourism in Northeastern Oklahoma. After presenting and defending her proposal before Governor Frank Keating, Cassandra was awarded a grant of $50,000 and used these funds to establish the Muskogee Multi-Cultural Tourism Department, which she coordinates.

Through this department, Cassandra has orchestrated the visits to Oklahoma of numerous cultural luminaries including former Essence Editorial Director, Susan L. Taylor; revered actor Danny Glover; athlete and businessman Magic Johnson; world renowned saxophonist Najee; The Trumpet Awards’ Xernona Clayton; and noted historian Dr. John Hope Franklin.

Cassandra is well known for the Oklahoma Historical Black Town Tour sponsored by the City of Muskogee, and speaking to groups throughout the United States on Heritage Tourism. She continues to study African American History and promote African –American Tourism in the region and nationally. She is also known for developing and presenting outstanding cultural and educational events. Through her unique ability to build relationships, Cassandra’s fee waiver negotiations with attending celebrities has resulted in $150,000 in scholarships for over 50 deserving students to attend colleges in Northeastern Oklahoma.

Among her numerous honors and distinctions, Cassandra has been named one of the top 50 Women of the Year in the State of Oklahoma; honored by the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission; received the International African American Culinary Arts Institute Award; appointed State Chairperson for the Thurgood Marshall Foundation; inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame for her cultural contributions, and has been cited for her significant contributions to Oklahoma tourism by the Governor.

A sought after speaker, Cassandra was invited to Hamilton Bermuda to speak on African American Heritage; The League of Cities to present on The Oklahoma Historical Black Towns Tour; and numerous other speaking engagements across the country.

Media Appearances
Cassandra has been featured in media including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Essence magazine. The Today Show’s Al Roker interviewed and featured Cassandra in a segment on The Food Channel which ran throughout the month of February, 2004.

Availability:
Cassandra is available for speaking engagements and for hosting The National Soul Food Cook-Off in any location.