Virginia Ali facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Virginia Ali
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Ali at Ben's Chili Bowl (2019)
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| Born |
Virginia Rollins
December 17, 1933 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Ben's Chili Bowl |
| Spouse(s) | Ben Ali |
Virginia Ali (born December 17, 1933) is an American businesswoman. She is famous for starting a well-known restaurant called Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. She opened it with her husband, Ben Ali.
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Virginia Ali's Early Life
Virginia Ali was born on December 17, 1933. She grew up in a rural part of Virginia. Her family has both African American and Native American roots.
She went to schools that were separate for different races. This was common in the past. In the 1950s, she moved with her family to Washington, D.C.
How Virginia Ali Started Her Career
After moving to Washington, D.C., Virginia Ali got a job. She worked as a teller at Industrial Bank. This bank was important because it was owned by African Americans.
It was at this bank that she met her future husband, Ben Ali. He came to the bank to deposit money from his restaurant job.
Opening Ben's Chili Bowl
Virginia and Ben Ali opened their own restaurant, Ben's Chili Bowl. It opened on August 22, 1958. The restaurant is located on U Street in Washington, D.C. This area is known as the Shaw neighborhood.
Many famous people visited the restaurant. It became a popular spot for entertainers. People like Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, and Redd Foxx enjoyed eating there.
Important leaders also gathered at Ben's Chili Bowl. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Stokely Carmichael often ate meals together there.
Ben's Chili Bowl During Difficult Times
In 1968, there were riots in Washington, D.C. These events happened after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. Stokely Carmichael asked Virginia Ali to keep the Chili Bowl open. She agreed, and the restaurant stayed open to serve the community.
Virginia Ali has also helped other groups. She has served on the boards of several organizations. One of these was called For Love of Children.
Awards and Special Honors
Virginia Ali and her husband, Ben, have received many awards. In 2002, they were added to the DC Hall of Fame. This honor recognized their contributions to the city.
In 2008, the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary. The mayor at the time, Adrian Fenty, gave them the Key to the City. This was a special way to honor their long-standing business.
Virginia Ali's Family Life
Virginia Ali and Ben Ali got married on October 10, 1958. They had three sons together. Each son was given the middle name "Ben." This was done in case they decided to take over the family restaurant.
After Ben Ali passed away, all three sons became involved in running Ben's Chili Bowl. They continue their parents' legacy.
