From Ben’s Chili Bowl to ASCEND – Empowering Black Men to Greatness: guest Ben Ali
By Lana Reid | November 12, 2025
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Ben Ali, Author, Entrepreneur, and Co-owner of the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl, to discuss his mission to empower and elevate Black men through purpose, leadership, and community service. In this conversation, Ben shares insights from his new book, ASCEND: A Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose, and reflects on the values that have guided his family’s iconic Washington, D.C. landmark for decades. He speaks about transforming legacy into impact—uplifting the next generation of Black men to rise above adversity, embrace faith, and lead with integrity.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, host Lana Reid talks with Ben Ali — author, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Ben shares insights from his new book, ASCEND: A Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose — a blueprint designed to empower the next generation of Black men to rise above pain, break generational cycles, and build lasting legacies. ASCEND is more than a motivational guide; it’s a roadmap for Black men seeking clarity, confidence, and connection.
Ben explores practical strategies for overcoming adversity, redefining manhood, and leading with authenticity. Each chapter offers tools for inner growth and community upliftment, encouraging readers to rise to their highest potential with purpose and integrity.
As founder of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, Ben leads efforts in mentorship, education, and community outreach — continuing his family’s legacy of service and empowerment through Ben’s Chili Bowl, a historic Washington, D.C. landmark and enduring symbol of Black entrepreneurship and resilience.
🔗 More About Ben Ali
- Website: benalimotivation.com
- Instagram: @benalimotivation
- Facebook: Ben Ali Motivation
- Book: ASCEND – A Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose
🍴 More About Ben’s Chili Bowl
Visit the official site: benschilibowl.com
🎙️ Find Lana Reid at
https://linktr.ee/theladylanareid
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“The Male Perspective” is hosted by Lana Reid, the founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives:
- THE MALE PERSPECTIVE: The purpose of “The Male Perspective” is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and sharing personal experiences that serve as a platform to highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
- SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD: “Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood,” is an intergenerational group of Black women who come together for relaxed and non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, experiences and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in our day to day lives.
- TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS: The “Tapestry of Black Voices Awards” honors our local communities and showcases the incredible creativity and voices of Black communities throughout the United States.