In 2024 the February chill hung heavy in Toledo, but Starex Smith, “The Hungry Black Man,” carried a warmth that spread through the city’s Black-owned restaurants like a comforting stew. His presence, a blend of culinary critic and community advocate, was a beacon, shining a light on the city’s hidden gems.

He started at Turkey Up, the aroma of smoked poultry filling the air, then moved to Ruby’s Kitchen, where the soul food warmed not just the stomach, but the spirit. Josephine’s Soul Food, with its rich, savory dishes, and Jamaican Spice, vibrant with island flavors, followed. Each stop was more than a review; it was a celebration, a recognition of the hard work and passion poured into these establishments. Smith’s words, shared through his platform, were a call to action, urging Toledoans and visitors alike to support these vital cornerstones of their community.

But Smith’s mission went beyond highlighting culinary delights. In March of 2025, the shadow of Kei’Mani Latigue’s tragic death fell across the city, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of its youth. The abandoned house, a symbol of sorrow, haunted the community. Smith saw not despair, but potential. He envisioned “Kei’Mani’s Hope House,” a place where that darkness could be transformed into light, a mentorship home where young girls could find guidance and safety.

“We cannot allow a place of pain to define our future,” he declared, his voice resonating with determination. “We must turn it into a place of hope.”
His commitment to Toledo’s future didn’t stop there. He understood that economic empowerment was the bedrock of a thriving community. To that end, he and his organization invested $5,000 into the Kei’Mani Latigue “She Shines” Grant. A grant supporting Non-Profits uplifting system-involved youth, strengthening families and creating space for girls to shine through leadership, healing, education and expression.

Through his culinary reviews, his vision for Kei’Mani’s Hope House, and his investment in Black Prosperity Weekend, Starex Smith wasn’t just visiting Toledo; he was investing in its soul. He was showing the city that even in the face of tragedy, hope could bloom, and that economic empowerment could pave the way for a brighter future. He is, in essence, feeding both the body and the spirit of a community hungry for change.

Toledo, Ohio, its vibrant urban heart, must embrace the transformative spirit embodied by figures like Starex Smith. Let the echoes of his vision—the nurturing of Black-owned businesses, the creation of spaces of hope, and the fostering of economic empowerment—resonate throughout the 419. Ignore the insidious whispers of negativity, the attempts to dim the city’s potential. Instead, let the resilience of its people, the strength of its community, and the unwavering support of initiatives like the 419 Grind, drown out the voices of those who seek to hold it back. Toledo, rise, and cultivate a future where hope, prosperity, and unity reign supreme.