Amy “MiMi” Wentz believes Richmond should be on the map for its dynamic and diverse dining scene. “We (Richmonders) also must make sure that everyone knows that we have some amazing minority-owned businesses — an important part of that big picture — that deserve to be highlighted, supported and celebrated,” she continues.

Ms. Wentz has merged the two in Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, a weeklong celebration dedicated to empowering and supporting black-owned restaurants, catering services, food trucks and chefs in the river city.

From March 4 through 11, foodies can delight in a variety of cuisines served by 29 participating restaurants and vendors — from Jamaican, Caribbean and African fare to soul food and fine dining with a blend of Southern and European accents.

This is the second year for the event, which was known previously as Black Restaurant Week.

The idea started in Memphis, Tenn., Ms. Wentz explains, when its restaurant week creator, Cynthia Daniels, reached out to Shemicia Bowen, who she knew from the Urban League Young Professionals. “Shemicia called me and the die was cast,” Ms. Wentz recalls. “The idea began to come alive. Kelli Lemon, our other partner, was working on a similar concept. So we decided to combine our efforts and do it big,” Ms. Wentz says.

“We just knew that the city wanted more and needed more,” Ms. Wentz says.

As a result of their efforts, 19 restaurants participated in 2017, drawing more than 12,000 people. With such success, more restaurants wanted to get involved this year, Ms. Wentz says. More venues and experiences have been added, including the newest trend — food trucks. There also will be entertainment experiences.

“We’ve added events every single night of the week,” she says. “People can dine in a restaurant or attend an event. That will be part of the mix.”

With 29 participating restaurants and food trucks, Richmond is the largest black restaurant week experience in the country, Ms. Wentz says. By comparison, Chicago had only 18 participants. Ms. Wentz calls herself a believer in “all things Richmond” and works to promote civic and community engagement.

“Active and engaged citizens are our pathway to improvement in this great city,” she says. The Huguenot High School graduate and Army veteran was recognized as one of Style Weekly’s “Top 40 Under 40” and was honored with a community service award from Richmond City Council for her dedicated volunteerism in the 8th District.

Volunteerism and service were hallmarks she learned from her parents, Allen and Linda Wentz. Her parents, a white couple, adopted four children, she says. She and two of her siblings are biracial, she says, while another sister is Korean.

“We all came from different families and were adopted at young ages,” she says. She is passing the Wentz family tradition of service to her two daughters. That includes helping to enhance life in the city.

“The first thing my daughter, Jasmine, 19, a sophomore at VCU, did when she entered college was to apply for ASPiRE, the college’s community and civic engagement group.”

Her daughter Zoe, 3, has been a constant volunteer companion with her mother.

“The city knows her,” Ms. Wentz says. “They see her before they see me. Zoe says, ‘Zoe’s here and my mother is not far behind.’

“Anything that we can do to help improve the Richmond experience for our citizens or people coming to see the city, we are all for that.”

Meet foodie experience advocate and this week’s Personality, Amy “MiMi” Wentz

Occupation: Senior systems analyst, helping to develop logistics and transportation software for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Current community involvement: Co-founder of Richmond Black Restaurant Experience.

Other community involvement: Member, Mayor’s Education Compact; advisory board, Unbound RVA; board member, Stay RVA; board member, NOLEF Turns; member, Alternatives to Incarceration Commission; and founder, Black RVA.

Date and place of birth: Nov. 2 in Washington.

Current residence: Adams Park in Richmond’s South Side.

Education: Proud graduate of Huguenot High School and an Army veteran.

Family: Daughters, Jasmine, 19, who attends Virginia Commonwealth University, and Zoe, 3.

Importance of Richmond Black Restaurant Experience: Richmond’s dining scene is gaining national attention and it’s important that we counter the economic disparity within minority-owned businesses with fun and interactive solutions that engage, excite and ignite a deeper understanding and love of Richmond culture and cuisine.

Number of restaurants participating this year: 29.

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience events: There are events happening each night of the week, but our key events are “Mobile Soul Sunday” noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at Abner Clay Park in Jackson Ward, and “Stick A Fork In It!,” our culminating event at Main Street Station noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. For a full listing, go to www.vablackrestaurantexperience.com.

Other cities that have Black Restaurant Week: Memphis, Tenn., Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis and more!

What community means to me: Community isn’t just a group of people living in the same area, but the people we learn from, get support from and work with to make “living” a positive experience for all, no matter your circumstance.

Favorite restaurant: Now you know I can’t say that, but each of our participating locations has a dish that I love.

Favorite menu item: Chicken and dumplings.

Favorite chef/cook: Chef MaMusu. It’s not about her food; she feeds the soul.

How I start the day: Sunny, with no chance of rain. Every day is a new beginning and a chance to improve.

A perfect day for me is: Seeing other people happy.

How I unwind: Attending the Art of Noise RVA by DJ Lonnie B. Music makes everything better.

Hobby: Volunteering.

Best late-night snack: Grilled cheese sandwich.

Biggest life lesson I’ve learned from my parents: If you make a commitment, follow through on it.

Three words that best describe me: Thankful, committed, loved.

Person who influenced me the most: My sister, Karen Lowen.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne.

What I’m reading now: “The Last Black Unicorn” by Tiffany Haddish.

My next goal: “Truth Be Told” is a passion project involving black Richmonders over the age of 80. We have so much to learn from them and need to soak it in while we can.