The BCA Global’s 21^st-Annual Cultural Awareness Salute and Black Tie Gala will be held Nov. 21, 2014, at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan in New York City to honor the achievements of people of color in the industry.

This year’s theme of “Crossing Cultures” will focus on a deeper understanding of global diversity in the foodservice, culinary and hospitality industries. The event will provide a space for networking and dialogue about the advancement of diversity and give culinary students from around the country the opportunity to hone their skills in a real-life environment.

The gala will begin with a VIP and cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course dinner and Viennese reception. The gala dinner will give a taste of what the future holds for the foodservice industry and will be supported by educational partners and students from Johnson & Wales University, South Bronx Job Corps Academy, the Culinary Program at Brooklyn Job Corps Academy, Career Academy of NY and LI, Culinary Training Institute, New York Institute of Technology, Fed Cap Culinary Training Program and The Culinary Institute of America.

Students from different schools and different backgrounds come together in the same kitchen and cook for the gala in a noncompetitive environment, say Howard Stanford, board chair, and Alex Askew, president, BCA Global.

BCA Global (founded as the Black Culinarian Alliance) is a nationwide nonprofit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and foodservice professionals. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1998, its mission is to create exposure and provide educational and professional opportunities for culinary and hospitality professionals of color. This objective is accomplished by providing quality educational and employment resources, job coaching, mentoring and assistance with placement, and networking support.

For more information on the 21st-Annual Cultural Awareness Salute and Black Tie Gala , e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call (212) 643 -6570. For more information on BCA Global, visit www.bcaglobal.org.