When Social Justice Center student success coordinator Wiley Wilson reached out to A Family Affair Southern Cuisine to cater an upcoming event, restaurant co-owner Brittany Bryant thought it would be too much to handle.
“Typically, during Black History Month, schedules fill up, but we try to make [the] effort,” Bryant said.
Despite initial hesitation, Bryant said she enjoys serving ECC and appreciates the school for acknowledging their restaurant.
The Social Justice Center and Black Student Success Center are dedicated to collaborating with various Black-owned businesses, including Savage Tacos Truck and Pucker Up Lemonade.
In February 2023, Family Affair’s first location in Westchester burned down due to an electrical fire. The establishment, which was a year old at the time, had to be rebuilt.
“We’ve had to wipe away the tears,” Bryant said. Starting from scratch with the help of the community and “GoFundMe” donations, the team managed to operate a ghost kitchen for a year in order to keep the business alive.
Relying on a loyal client base, the restaurant has been serving the community from their new location inside of Buddah Market on Slauson Avenue, as of 2024.
Family Affairs entered the second year of catering for ECC for the Taste of Soul event where students and staff shared a colorful soul food table spread.
The college had previously partnered with Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, but passed the ladle to Family Affair in 2025.
Bryant said she hopes to expand by potentially selling their homemade seasonings in stores and in the restaurant so that customers can enjoy their signature flavors from their own kitchen.
“We try our best to not go towards corporate-based, and to give back to the community and give awareness to students about those different food places,” Wilson said.
Dining and Cooking