Own the Narrative: Who Really Invented the Buffalo Wing?
From High Vibe Table Talks: Empowering Solopreneurs by Merchon Hargrave
February 25, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 138
About this episode
This episode discusses the importance of owning your narrative and recognizing the contributions of Black innovators in history.
Ep.138 What if history kept your idea… but forgot your name? This Black History Month, I’m talking about ownership. Not just of businesses, but of narratives. From the true origins of the Buffalo wing to Uncle Nearest’s role in building Jack Daniel’s, history shows us a pattern: brilliance without credit. Creation without visibility. What this means for you, the solopreneur: You can build something powerful, but if you don’t tell your story, someone else might. This is your reminder to claim your work, amplify your voice, and make sure your name is attached to what you create. ✨ Key Takeaways John Young’s Wings & Things introduced the mambo-style Buffalo wing before the Anchor Bar became famous. Uncle Nearest, the Black distiller whose expertise helped build Jack Daniel’s, yet whose name took nearly 200 years to receive recognition. Visibility matters just as much as value. If no one knows you built it, the impact gets diluted. Own your narrative. Document your work. Attach your name to what you create. Chapters: 00:00 Celebrating Black History Month Through Entrepreneurship 01:27 The Real Origin of the Buffalo Wing 02:35 John Young, Wings & Things, and Mambo Sauce 03:18 When…
People in this episode
Host: Merchon Hargrave
Topics covered
- ownership
- narratives
- Black History Month
- visibility
- solopreneurship
- innovation
Keywords
- Buffalo wing
- Black History Month
- solopreneur
- visibility
- ownership
- John Young
- Uncle Nearest
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wings & Things, Jack Daniel’s
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