Your Black Muslim Bakery facts for kids
.png) |
|
| Private (defunct) | |
| Industry | Bakery |
| Founded | 1968 in Santa Barbara, California, U.S. |
| Defunct | August 9, 2007 |
| Headquarters | 5832 San Pablo Avenue,
since 1971 in Oakland, California
,
U.S.
|
|
Number of locations
|
5 |
|
Area served
|
San Francisco Bay Area |
|
Key people
|
|
| Products | baked goods in accordance with the Qur'an, |
| Services | distribution to retail stores |
| Parent | Your Black Muslim Bakery, Inc. |
Your Black Muslim Bakery (YBMB) was a chain of bakeries in the United States. It was started by Yusuf Bey in 1968 in Santa Barbara, California. Later, in 1971, the main bakery moved to Oakland, California.
For many years, YBMB was seen as a great example of how African American businesses could succeed on their own. It became very important in the local community. However, over time, the bakery faced serious problems and was linked to various investigations.
How the Bakery Began
Yusuf Bey, who was born Joseph Stephens, moved to Oakland, California with his family in the early 1950s. Before starting the bakery, he owned beauty salons in California.
In the 1960s, Bey learned about the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. He then joined the Nation of Islam (NOI) in 1964. In 1968, he opened his "Islamic" bakery in Santa Barbara, California. Even though it was called "Islamic," the bakery was not officially part of the Nation of Islam.
The baked goods sold at YBMB were made following the rules of the Quran. This meant they did not use refined sugar or artificial ingredients. Yusuf Bey named his business Your Black Muslim Bakery because Elijah Muhammad, his spiritual guide, suggested it.
In 1971, Bey moved the bakery to Oakland. By 1974, it had grown a lot. It was the biggest bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area that only sold natural food products. They sold over 6,000 loaves of bread and more than 300 cakes every week to 150 stores.
Growing Influence in Oakland
In the mid-1980s, Yusuf Bey often appeared on a local TV show in Oakland called True Solutions. On this show, he shared his hour-long talks every week. He also used the program to promote his bakery.
Bey often spoke about the importance of African Americans being economically independent. He also talked about "knowledge of self." By the 1990s, YBMB and its leaders were well-respected in Oakland. They had a lot of influence in local politics.
They used their influence to get help from the city and to affect local elections. Yusuf Bey even ran for mayor in 1994, getting 5% of the votes.
By 2007, the main bakery was located at 5832 San Pablo Avenue. There were also five other locations listed in Alameda County, California. These included stores in Oakland's Temescal area and at the Oakland International Airport. The bakery also had a spot at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum.
The Bakery's Closure
After Yusuf Bey passed away in 2003, Your Black Muslim Bakery started to have financial problems. In October 2006, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This is a legal step for businesses that need to reorganize their debts.
In August 2007, police conducted a large search at the bakery on San Pablo Avenue. This was part of investigations related to a journalist's death and other serious matters. At the same time, a health inspection found problems, and the bakery was ordered to close.
Later that same day, a court changed the bankruptcy case. Instead of reorganizing, the bakery's assets were ordered to be sold to pay off debts. This meant the bakery officially closed down.
