As we step into February 2026, the air in East Harlem feels a little more celebratory. This year is particularly special as the national theme for Black History Month is "A Century of Black History Commemorations." It marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first launched "Negro History Week," an initiative that has grown into a global movement of reflection, pride, and—in our case—a lot of baking.
At Baked Cravings, we don’t just see this as a month on the calendar; it’s the heartbeat of why we do what we do.
Rooted in Representation
Our founder, Craig Watson, often shares stories of growing up in New Jersey and didn’t just want to build a business; he wanted to build a legacy. Today, Baked Cravings stands as a testament to that dream—a Black-owned, award-winning bakery that proves entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to honor our history.
Inclusion is the Secret Ingredient
Black History is about breaking barriers, and at Baked Cravings, we’re breaking the "nut barrier."
Did you know that food allergies disproportionately affect children in diverse communities? Craig founded this bakery with a mission to make sure every child—including his own daughter—could walk into a bakery and say "yes" to anything on the menu.
When we say we are 100% nut-free, we’re talking about more than just safety; we’re talking about inclusion. We believe that every celebration, whether it’s a school party or a family reunion, should be accessible to everyone. That is our way of carrying the torch of progress forward.
How We’re Celebrating This Month
We invite you to join us in honoring a century of commemorations. Whether you’re stopping by our flagship in East Harlem or ordering a shipment of our signature Cake in a Cup from across the country, here is how you can celebrate with us:
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The "Community Cravings" Collection: A portion of our sales this month continues to support local charities that empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.
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A Taste of Harlem: Our treats are inspired by the vibrant culture of our neighborhood. Try our world-famous cookies or our gourmet popcorn—perfect for sharing while you dive into a book on Black history or watch a documentary with the family.
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Sweet Conversations: Follow us on social media all month as we highlight the Black inventors and icons who revolutionized the food and science industries (hello, George Washington Carver!).
A Legacy in Every Bite
Black history isn’t just in the past; it’s being written every time a small business opens its doors or a community comes together to support one of its own. We are proud to be a part of your story and your celebrations.
Happy Black History Month! Let’s make this century of commemoration the sweetest one yet.
