As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to highlight those whose years of service in commerce, and the community, have not gone unnoticed.
Gregg Peterson, local philanthropist and head chef at the Kroc Center, is a man who needs no introduction. Having opened Broadway Cafe over 20 years ago, served as a Salem Chamber Board member, and been a lifelong advocate for the disenfranchised in our community, Gregg’s love for his neighbor has known no bounds.
When asked about the world’s current situation, Gregg shared his perspective.
“With all that is going on right now, often, all we see is darkness. But on the other hand, a lot of people see light”, says Gregg. “They see all the positive things within the tragedy that’s happening to them. They see the good people who are doing good things, and that makes them almost forget all the bad stuff is going on.”
When the Santiam Canyon fires erupted last September, Gregg did not hesitate to serve his community once again. Gregg, along with his team, made over 800 meals a day for residents who were displaced. Gregg’s inherent humility did not allow him to savor this success, rather he extended a question to all of those who wish to be part of the solutions in tragic situations.
“We have to ask ourselves––everyday––what are we doing to prepare our hearts for service when the need for it comes?”
Through everyday folks like Gregg, heroes need not exist only in fiction.
#BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusiness