By Ashleigh Fields 
AFRO Assistant Editor
Afields@afro.com

Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, celebrated 90 years of life next to family and friends at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 14. 

The historic venue is just a few doors down from the famous restaurant Ali founded with her husband, Ben, in 1958. The establishment provided much more than just food– it became a place of comfort for civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and more recently, former President Barack Obama. Sheila Johnson, Donnie Simpson and Mayor Muriel Bowser were in attendance at the event, giving Ali her flowers and congratulating her on over 65 years of service to the D.C. community.

Attendees enjoy a three tier cake for Virginia Ali’s 90th birthday.
Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, honors Virginia Ali for her entrepreneurial spirit.
Former radio DJ Donnie Simpson, of WPGC-FM, thanks Virginia Ali for her dedication to uplifting the local community.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks on the impact of Ben’s Chili Bowl over the course of six decades.
Virginia Ali reflects on the love shared for the community staple she opened at a mere 24 years old.
Virginia Ali currently manages five Ben’s Chili Bowl locations with the help of her children.
Virginia Ali stands with family, friends and patrons of Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Photos by Darrell Stoney Jr.

A fresh perspective has arrived at The AFRO-American Newspapers. Ashleigh Fields has been named the new assistant editor, bringing new ideas to the oldest Black-owned business in Maryland. Fields’...