Our E-mail on MLK Day, 2015

We wanted to share a great story of a place where the holiday and cooking come together in an inspiring way. As always the story comes with a recipe.

We also have a version with more photos of the story of the Motleys from our Winter catalog that should have just arrived or should be arriving in the next few days. And we have a "making of" The Motleys' story piece with a couple more of their recipes.

As much as we don't like to dwell on it too much, for many, the American experience has come with an unhealthy dose of inequality. How do people face injustice without just giving up or letting their anger get the best of them? From our time with the Motleys I think the answer to that question is love. If you have enough love in your life, you have a chance to continue on where others fade away and maybe even hold on long enough to play a part in change. The Motleys' love so clearly flows through their lives and their recipes.

And send your love to today's protesters. They need a bunch of it if they are to be successful—and it would be so good for all of us if they were successful.

In recent years we seem to have developed a romanticized version of Martin Luther King's life, one where he came and had tea with elected officials who then gave his nobility a standing ovation and spontaneously removed all laws of discrimination from the books and sent him on his way with a little box of cookies. It did not happen that way.

Sadly, then as now, anyone working to advance equality all too often comes face to face with the very worst in human nature. For MLK Jr. Day 2015, if you get a chance, please read Dr. King's letter from Birmingham Jail. The letter is long, but it gives great insight to both his time and to why his life so very much deserves celebration.

And if you know anyone continuing his legacy by taking the protest against today's inequality to the streets, baking them a box of cookies really couldn't hurt.

Share your love and have a great weekend,
Bill

bill@penzeys.com

 

 

And Here Are Our Readers' Responses:

Dear Mr. Penzey,

I would be remiss if I did not let you know how profoundly your email affected me, when I first read it on Jan. 16th (and even now).

There's been a great deal of ugliness going on in the world (and has been for quite a long time, I know, but it's seemed to reassert itself with a vengeance)—not just everything that's happened, but also in the reactions of people. . . some of whom I had called friends, and family too. It hurts so much to witness, to hear, to experience—and that's just as a white person. I'll never fully realize the pain of many of those protesting, those who have lost their children, siblings, cousins, friends, partners. When the pain and sheer wrongness of these events are so clear and palpable, it makes it that much worse when those you considered "good people" don't care, or worse, rant with hatred and bigotry. I fervently hope that the brave people out there, protesting, organizing, fighting, will help effect positive change. "Every [person] of humane convictions must decide on the protest that best suits [their] convictions, but we must all protest." — MLK

To receive something that combated a bit of the ugliness, that acknowledged the truth of the matter, that reminded the road to justice has been long, rocky, and thus far unending... I suppose I didn't know how much I needed that. I hope others were similarly pleased and took some measure of hope from your words. "I'm still convinced that the struggle for peace and the struggle for justice. . . happen to be tied together." — MLK

Sincerely,

L. O.

 

 

Bill--

Thanks for:
1. Addressing the cause of inequality. It's a rare and brave corporation that does so.
2. Telling the story of the Motleys. As a Cuban-American from Kansas City who lives in Los Angeles, it hits home in many ways. I'll reach out to the Motleys, buy the books, etc.
3. For making great product. Quality makes such a difference.

P.D.A.

 

 

thank you for your thoughtful words, it was a joy to find something in my e-mail which was not a blatant advertisement or a plea for funds. It gives me ccmfort to know that some persons do care.
Gigi

 

 

I have never gotten such a wonderful letter EVER from a store.
I LOVE your spices and I love that you care about equality.
I will think of your letter every time I use your spices - which i do for every single meal.
I cook for homeless people (UPLIFT KC) and I will put a little extra love and spices into my recipes.
THANK YOU.
N.T.

 

 

Dear Bill,

I love your catalogs.

I love your letters

I love your recipes.

I love your spices.

I love what you write and the beliefs you share.

Greetings and thanks from a like-minded person.

J. O.

 

This is what I love about Penzeys. You reach the heart and soul of the true American spirit.
I only buy my spices from Penzeys in Summit, NJ. I am proud to be a loyal customer.
Thank you
E. D.
Piscataway, NJ

 

 

Thanks for your thoughts on MLK Day! I like to pull my copy of his writings, A Testament of Hope, from the shelf and read from his writings. We sure need them these days!
Blessings!

K. L.

 

 

Thank you so much for your inspiring message. I have reposted it to our church’s Facebook page and also continue to tell everyone how special your products are.
Kay

 

 

Thanks for sending this email. I’ve never read King’s letter before now. it is stunning!
thanks again,
Paula

 

 

My mother loved your store in Norwalk CT from the day it opened and I am a proud Penzeys shopper too, either back in my hometown of Norwalk, near home in Summit NJ or online.

I have immense respect for the way you lead and market your company. Your compassion, personal values and integrity is, sadly, so rarely highlighted in business settings and it is inspiring. And courageous.

(I bought five of the special orange boxes this holiday season and my recipients were delighted!)

Thank you, Bill Penzey!
Best wishes for a memorable MLK day.

M. K.

 

 

Hi Bill,

First, I'm a relatively new customer, but love everything I have ordered so far. Terrific quality!

I opened your recent catalogue, saw the inside of the last page and the message touched my heart. "Heal the World...cook dinner tonight" should be on a Long sleeve T!

It's a great message and as a cook who enjoys feeding my family and friends good food, the saying conveys a simple and beautiful message. When you take time to cook, to gather in the teens and make your kitchen a welcoming place, indeed, hearts are connected.

You should sell T shirts with the saying. I think they'd fly off the shelves! I'm thinking maybe a tye-dyed, purple, or solid white or black. Let me know when you make them. I'll place an order for a few! One for me and several for friends who feel the same way you do about what cooking dinner can do in the world.

Happy Cooking,

M. J.

Concord NH

 

 

Dear Mr. Penzey,

I was so moved and impressed by your email. How wonderful of you to support those striving for equality. It is disappointing that in 2015 we are, in many ways, where we were so many years ago. You must be an extraordinary person and you make me proud to be a customer.

Regards,

Donna

 

 

I having been buying penzeys spices for years. Your double-strength vanilla is a favorite though I guess that is not a spice. I buy because I want to support your humanistic viewpoint.
Your compassion is inspirational. Thank you and keep at it.

 

 

Hi Bill,

This is a WONDERFUL letter. As a customer and follower of Penzey’s for many years, I applaud your fine leadership on what continues to be a difficult subject for many in our society.

Appropriate leadership, demonstrating love through communication like yours is what is sadly missing in this world.

Cudos to you!

K. G.

 

 

Kudos to you for a wonderful message. Thanks for sharing your personal commitment to equality. It's a brave thing to do as a businessperson and I applaud you
E. M.

 

 

Bill-

Thank you for your lovely letter and acknowledgment of MLK and the challenges of inequality we all face. Keep up the great work of inspiring us to continue on!
Blessings and Godspeed,

T. C.
Ranchos de Taos, NM

 

 

I discovered Penzey's on Cary Street in Richmond, VA and always stop in when I am there. I have also purchased on line and have given many Penzey's gifts to friends. BUT what has truly has assured my constancy and my continuing loyalty is the integrity of your product and your people. I read the catalogs from cover to cover and share your emails with family and friends. This email has moved me particularly, While I am always affected by the stories you include with the people we meet through you - I have just completed reading Dr. King's letter from a Birmingham Jail in its entirety for the first time.

I have no words for the depth to which I have been moved. I can only, merely, thank you for sharing the powerful gifts of this amazing man with us on the day that celebrates his passion, his vision and his legacy. I am a better person today for being touched with his grace, strength and power. Thank you for the opportunity to once again experience this giant of a man.

With warmest regards from a future lifelong Penzey's customer,
​
J. M.
Suffolk, VA

 

 

Hello Bill,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your inspiring greeting this weekend. Yes, love and faith will get us through.

Best Regards,
M. C.

 

 

Hi Bill-
Thank you for the stories in your latest email and especially the inclusion of the link to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter. I had never before read the whole thing (one wonders how that could be after an American education, including college.....) and given the episodes of social injustice and protests still happening in our country, it is more timely than ever. I would say the truth of what is right and just only sounds more forceful as time passes.

Thanks for your catalog, recipes, articles and of course, fabulous spices! I'm a long term customer and I value your products greatly. It is also nice to connect with you via your letters each month, and all the regular people who cook and are kind. I really feel that your "love people, cook them tasty food" has helped me to see the regular stuff I do on a daily basis isn't so regular. I've seen the bumper sticker in all kinds of places too and that's cool!

You are getting things right-spices and lots of other stuff. Reading through your catalog makes me feel better than I did before I read it. Many publications have quite the opposite effect, particularly women's magazines. I appreciate the chance to connect with a community of caring people, who also happen to enjoy cooking. Regular people doing regular stuff.

E. A.

 

 

Dear Bill,
What a message!
I was surprised and very heartened to read your message about protest and inequality. Surprised because for a businessman to do so is not a common occurrence. And heartened because of the message itself.
I have shared the email with friends and family. The reaction from all has been, in one word: "Wow!"

I took the time to fully read Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham. You are right; his words are certainly worth reflection in these challenging times.

Thank you for reminding me of this. And thank you for your message.

J. S.

 

 

I had never before read MLLK Jr’s “letter from jail” that you had attached to your update of 1/16/15. I just wanted to say thanx for doing that. lots of us should be reading it.
sandi

 

 

Dear Bill,

Thank you for the link to Martin Luther King Jr. letter from Birmingham Jail.

I’d never read it.

Thanks for all you do.

Best regards,
D. H.
A Long-Time Customer

 

 

Mr. Penzey,
I just finished reading the "Free Serving of Values of Cooking" email. I took the time to read Dr. King's letter from the Birmingham Jail and was deeply moved. I had never taken the opportunity to read it and appreciated your willingness to have it available.

As a soon to be 45 year old (God willing) Black woman, I have become fully aware of the sacrifices of those before me and appreciate everything. All struggles are not in vain and I seek comfort in the many sacrifices that my immigrant parents made so that my siblings could have opportunities afforded by this great country.

Thank you for being more than spices. May you and yours continue to encourage and inspire.Thank you again.

Respectfully,
B. H. W.

 

 

Dear Bill,

I have been a fan of your products and newletters for years, and feel like I know you through your letters. I love the profiles your share of your customers.

But I am writing today because I am genuinely touched by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from jail. And yes I just read the whole thing! I had read/heard excerpts from this over the years, but it is a powerful view to the workings of this amazing man's mind to read the whole treatise.

I am saddened that our country is still struggling with these same issues 50 years later, but I am heartened by the fact that there are good people everywhere, non-violently fighting (is that an oxymoron?) the good fight. Unfortunately social progress takes generations. My sons cannot believe that segregation existed in my lifetime-this means that progress has been made.

There is still a long way to go.

Thank you so much for pointing me to the powerful words of the honorable MLK Jr.
N. A.

 

 

I've been a fan of Penzeys Spices for years. I first discovered your product in the Grand Central Market in NYC and was delighted to discover you had a shop in Santa Monica when I moved to LA. I always enjoy talking to the staff in Santa Monica. You can tell they love cooking, and really know the product line. I also look forward to your catalog filled with recipes and happy photos of people who love to cook.

None of these things have compelled me to write a letter before.

Over the holidays, I called your service center to order a holiday box for my family in Kirkland WA. I also placed a fairly large order for myself to re-stock my cabinet because it was inconvenient to get to Santa Monica over the holidays. The gift package arrived in Kirkland without a hitch, mine didn't show up. I called your service center to inquire about tracking and the lady who helped me did a little research and then made the call to send me a replacement package.

I later discovered that the same day your package was delivered, my mom's holiday box was also lost. I assume now that it was theft. The woman in the service center who helped me could have been "suspicious" that I didn't get an expensive package filled with vanilla, herbs and spices, but she didn't hassle me at all. She treated me with respect and gave me the benefit of the doubt. I got my new package delivered to a more secure address and all is well.

Best wishes to you and the team, I appreciate your excellent product, and the service your company delivers via real humans. That's a rare and precious thing these days!

Sincerely,

L. H.
Los Angeles, CA